This year, Something For The Weekend has brought you over 150 new albums from across the progressive music spectrum.
Here, four of our regular contributors look back and select their personal Top 3 SFTW-recommended albums from the year.
We have a link to the original mini review, plus a video so that you can sample each album. And if you like what you hear, please support the band by buying the disc, to ensure they can continue to bring you Something For The Weekend!
Published 18th January 2018
Selected by: Raffaella Berry
1. CHARLIE CAWOOD – The Divine Abstract (week 154)
Deploying a panoply of exotic instruments to effortlessly combine chamber and world music, with a heady pinch of psychedelia thrown in for good measure, Cawood has produced a unique album that is a true delight to the ears.
2. CHEER ACCIDENT – Putting Off Death (week 143)
Unabashedly eclectic, melodic and challenging at the same time. Pure listening pleasure! (Read the full DPRP review here)
3. THE KNELLS – The Knells II (week 154)
The Knells are back with an exquisitely original album whose riveting musical content is matched by the stylish packaging. The band boasts a trio of classically-trained female vocalists, lending a hauntingly medieval feel to the challenging, yet eminently listenable instrumental tapestry. (A very clever video too!) (Read the full DPRP review here)
Selected by: André de Boer
A fabulous piece of French progressive art by Jean Pierre Louveton's (of Némo) solo project JPL. Although there are fans all over the world, this should be high on everyone's wish list. A MUST listen!
2. JEAN MADANI - Toorab (week 143)
Such a wonderful surprise from Lebanon. Subtle, honest, modern, eclectic, relaxing and filled with love. It's amazing that Jean Madani is able to include an immeasurable amount of sense and feeling into his compositions and bass playing, supported by a group of talented musicians, offering us a great mix of jazz fusion and eclectic musings.
3. UNREAL CITY - Frammenti Notturni (week 150)
An absolute brilliant album that settles this band with their very own style within the Italian progressive rock genre. A must listen!
Selected by: Roger Trenwith
1. ALL THEM WITCHES - Sleeping Through The War (week 131)
Marvellously tight-but-loose, this is the sort of thing that has me a-skippin' through the house, limbs flailing frantically, knocking picture frames askew as I go, not a care in the wide world.
2. CHARLIE CAWOOD - The Divine Abstract (week 154)
So, Charlie Cawood's debut solo album, The Divine Abstract, is a terrific album of pastoral, classical chamber prog. Charlie Cawood wears his obvious expertise lightly. He lets the melodies breath, and the arrangements just speak for themselves. (Read the full DPRP review here)
3. INFiNiEN - Light At The Endless Tunnel (week 133)
With intricate yet catchy, jazz-infused melodies, masterfully interpreted by Chrissie Loftus’ enchanting voice, Light at the Endless Tunnel is an outstanding example of modern progressive rock, with a truly eclectic outlook.
Selected by: Andy Read
1. O.R.K. - Soul Of An Octopus (week 135)
After touring 2016's debut, Inflamed Rides, this modern rock quartet, featuring long-time King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto plus Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin, return with a monster of an album. Sure it has elements of both big-name bands, but this really is a potent statement from a collective that is able to spread its tentacles into a myriad of influences, all at the same time, and come up with a collection of 10 memorable-yet-inventive songs.
2. EXQUIRLA - Para Quienes Aún Viven (week 134)
Holy cow! This should never work: but it does. Exquirla is a collaboration between Spanish instrumental outfit Toundra, and Niño de Elche, the key emerging Flamenco artist in Spain. The result is an amazing album, highly recommended for those who wish to explore new musical possibilities (AKA : prog). The music here combines the essence of rock music with the passion of flamenco; two musical identities that are supposed to be the polar opposite of each other. But as they say: opposites do attract! (A highly original video too)
3. SCHOOLTREE - Heterotopia (week 139)
It's a concept album in the vein of a Broadway musical that brings to mind Genesis, Kate Bush, Supertramp, Fleetwood Mac and Queen. The pop-infused vocals of Lainey Schooltree are dazzling. A lot of you will really love this album!
You may also like to read:
The best of SFTW 2016
The best of SFTW 2015
The best of SFTW 2014