Prog Notes

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 36: From Silence to Somewhere - Wobbler (feat. Wobbler) May 15, 2021

Show notes

Destin and Drew are joined by Marius Halleland and Kristian Hultgren of Wobbler to discuss their critically acclaimed 2017 album From Silence To Somewhere. The music of Wobbler can easily fit into the categories of retro-prog or symphonic prog, as the influences of the early prog pioneers can be heard in the tones of the instruments, the structures of the songs, and the inclusion of side-long epics throughout its discography. However, From Silence To Somewhere carves an identity of its own with its dramatic compositions set within a fantasy motif. In addition to providing a bit of band history, Marius and Kristian illumine listeners with the larger concepts so elegantly expressed on this incredibly imaginative record. They contend that while the album touches on solemn subjects pertaining to life and death, it also includes moments of levity with a wacky character locked up in a medieval tower obsessing over alchemy. From Silence To Somewhere harkens back to an older time, both in terms of music as well as its conceptual setting, and the commentary from Marius and Kristian adds a new perspective to this ambitious album.

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**Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.

Ep. 35: Liquid Tension Experiment 3 - LTE (feat. Tony Levin) Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

Liquid Tension Experiment (LTE) is one of the most recognizable supergroups in modern progressive rock. After 22 years of silence from the studio, the virtuosos have returned to unveil their long-awaited third album, Liquid Tension Experiment 3. In this episode, Destin and Drew are graced by the presence of none other than Tony Levin himself, the legendary bassist and Chapman stick player for LTE. Tony has performed with dozens of prominent bands and musicians in the realm of progressive rock and jazz fusion, including King Crimson, Stick Men, and Peter Gabriel. The three of them discuss the history of LTE, some of the tracks that make this album special, and the powerful chemistry among the band members that allows for such flavorful compositions.

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Ep. 34: Applause of a Distant Crowd - VOLA (feat. VOLA) Mar 15, 2021

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Destin and Drew are joined by Asger Mygind and Nicolai Mogensen of VOLA to talk about their second album, Applause Of A Distant Crowd. VOLA brings an interesting approach to the current state of prog metal by incorporating keyboard leads, soothing yet powerful vocal melodies, and complex rhythmic patterns to this album. During this interview, Nicolai and Asger reveal the band’s organic writing process, a desire to explore different musical directions, and their excitement for their upcoming release Witness on May 21st, 2021. In addition to discussing the inventive and diverse Applause Of A Distant Crowd, the two band members answer a variety of questions from listeners of Prog Notes.

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Ep. 32: Land Animal - Bent Knee Jan 15, 2021

Show notes

Welcome, as we traverse through the dark, mysterious, and complex layers of Land Animal by Bent Knee. This record reflects the dynamic nature of the band, not only with its bizarre, yet ingenious, compositions but also with its inclusion of two female members, a trait that is not commonly found in a genre typically populated with all-male bands. Destin and Drew discuss the remarkable process of democratic songwriting, a key element to the ingenious innovations on Land Animal, and Drew puts the lyrics under a microscope to uncloak their seemingly shrouded meanings. It's all here on Episode 32 of Prog Notes!

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Ep. 31: Per Un Amico - PFM Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we introduce the subgenre of Rock Progressivo Italiano (RPI) with PFM's heralded work Per Un Amico. Join us as we contextualize the significance of this album by discussing the history of Italian culture and comparing it to the English pioneers of prog rock. We hope you enjoy the introduction of a new segment we call "Illustrations and Impressions" where we put on our berets and analyze the album cover and give our take on it! Enjoy!

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Ep. 30: Caress of Steel - Rush Nov 15, 2020

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Another Rush record for the Rush nerds! Voted on by fans, Destin and Drew dissect Rush's Caress of Steel, the often overlooked precursor to their critically acclaimed 2112. Drew delves into the ambitious, albeit overly esoteric, concepts for the longer tracks on the album, and analyzes Peart's lyrics that, even early in the band's career, garnered his reputation as quite the wordsmith. With few radio-friendly songs and high brow concepts that didn't fit the "rock" brand, this album was a commercial flop and was followed by a dreadful tour which nearly resulted in the complete dissolution of the band. However, with all its misgivings, it still holds a special place in the hearts of hardcore Rush fans as it is a stepping stone to the magnificence of 2112, one of their greatest achievements.

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Ep. 29: Moonmadness - Camel Oct 15, 2020

Show notes

What is the Canterbury Scene/Sound? Simply put, it's a genre closely associated with progressive rock that emerged from Canterbury, England in the late 1960s that had a focus on jazz and psychedelic influences. Destin and Drew introduce this genre with Camel's Moonmadness as a backdrop. The charm of this record comes from its excellent musicianship combined with an unassuming presentation. It allows the listeners to familiarize themselves with the group more intimately as each band member has a track that serves as a musical reflection of their personality, similar to Fragile by Yes. It's a simple, yet intriguing concept. Prog rock can often seem self-indulgent, pompous, and pretentious, but the impressive playing and smooth, cosmic soundscapes on Moonmadness produce a listening experience that can easily be described as "refreshing."

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Ep. 27: Animals - Pink Floyd (feat. Rachel Brown) Aug 15, 2020

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Destin and Drew are joined yet again by the ever erudite Rachel Brown to dive deep into the dark cynicism of Pink Floyd's highly praised 1977 record Animals. While this album was heavily inspired by George Orwell's Animal Farm, Roger Waters' lyrics focused more on harsh criticism of capitalist society, rather than Orwell's focus on Stalinism. The co-hosts contextualize the album's angry lyrics and maniacal vocal performances with political and societal highlights from the 20th century as well as references to events in Orwell's Animal Farm. Going track by track, they reveal their analyses of each class presented throughout this concept album (dogs, pigs, and sheep) and how the music serves to reinforce the themes. It's a good ole musical discussion centered around politics, just as Waters intended.

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Ep. 23: Hand. Cannot. Erase. - Steven Wilson (feat. Rachel Brown) Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

Rachel Brown joins Destin and Drew yet again to discuss Steven Wilson's beloved solo album Hand.Cannot.Erase. Incorporating some technologies that are often used in more commercial pursuits (like drum machines), this album seems to have a more modern vibe that flirts with pop music. However, the influence of the classic prog pioneers still shines through with long tracks, ripping bass lines, and mesmerizing keyboard solos, giving this album an edge that is uniquely Steven Wilson. The inclusion of "newer" sounds lends to the themes of isolation and modernity. Our trio of hosts journey into the concepts presented on this album and share the story that inspired the somber moods that pervade this album. Finally, they talk about the peculiar absence of women in the prog genre, both as musicians and fans.

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Ep. 21: A Tribute to Neil Peart Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

Shortly following the tragic death of rock legend Neil Peart (January 7, 2020), Destin and Drew pay homage to his life and celebrate his legacy as both the drummer and lyricist for their favorite band, Rush. Destin shares his Top 10 Neil Peart Drum Tracks while Drew shares his Top 10 Neil Peart Lyrics. While the circumstances surrounding this episode are quite mournful, Destin and Drew take this opportunity to enjoy the work of one of their greatest musical inspirations to date: Mr. Neil Peart. Rest in peace.

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