This year DPRP has reviewed over 650 different albums. Thus, you can be forgiven for maybe missing a few real gems along the way.
Here DPRP reviews editor Andy Read selects 10 MORE releases from lesser-known artists that he feels may not have got the attention they deserve!
We have avoided any albums that have already featured in our two previous end-of-year round-ups: The Best Heavy Prog & Progressive Metal Albums of 2017 and The Best Progressive Rock Albums of 2017.
Below is an excerpt from the original DPRP review of each album plus a video track from each release. Happy listening!
And if you missed it, here is our first edition of 10 fabulous prog albums you may have missed in 2017.
Below is an excerpt from the original DPRP review of each album plus a video track from each release. Happy listening!
And if you missed it, here is our first edition of 10 fabulous prog albums you may have missed in 2017.
Wobbler – From Silence to Somewhere
With their fourth album, Norwegian sympho proggers Wobbler have created their second full-conceptual album.
"Wobbler has really outdone themselves once again and produced an absolute masterpiece. With Rites at Dawn, the band found a lot of praise, but it is this new album that puts them right at the forefront of the genre. With four wonderful songs and a mature sound, Wobbler deserve a lot of credit for the use of analogue equipment and classic, progressive elements."
Arno Agterberg: 10 out of 10 in DPRP reviews edition 73
Cosmograf - The Hay-Man Dreams
A progressive rock project lead by Robin Armstrong, a multi-instrumentalist musician from England.
"The Hay Man Dreams is a home-run in just about every possible way. The songwriting, production and performances are all top of the line, and the unique concept plays out in compelling fashion. The music of Cosmograf is a reflection of the classic progressive rock that its creator loves."
Patrick McAfee: 9 out of 10 in DPRP reviews edition 57
Bubblemath - Edit Peptide
More "avant prog-pop jazz core" from these crazy five Minnesotans.
"Edit Peptide is gloriously wacky, yet amazingly concise and jaw-droppingly tight. A feast for all avantgarde lovers, neo proggers should avoid this at any cost, they might die from sheer progginess."
Dario Albrecht: 9 out of 10 in DPRP reviews edition 75
Agusa - Agusa
An accessible mix of flute-led psychedelic prog from Sweden
"This is just a next step for Agusa. It touches so many of my musical senses that are usually divided into areas like prog, blues, and psychedelic rock. I hope I will be able to finally experience them live one day, but listening to an album like this will keep my mind occupied and very satisfied!"
Jerry van Kooten & Owen Davies: 9 out of 10 in the DPRP Duo Review edition 89
Major Parkinson - Blackbox
Norway's Major Parkinson is an odd band, with a strange name and out-of-the-ordinary music.
"Blackbox is seriously one of those albums that needs a lot of time to sink in. It is very dark and needs some spins, but after some time it crawls under your skin. Major Parkinson is my discovery of 2017, I hope many more people will check out this remarkable band."
Edwin Roosjen: 8.5 out of 10 in DPRP Reviews edition 02White Moth Black Butterfly - Atone
A project created by UK singer/songwriter Daniel Tompkins (TesseracT, Skyharbor, In Colour) and guitarist Keshav Dhar (Skyharbor).
"This band displays an impressive ability to present simple and memorable songs, in a way that sounds musically panoramic. The production feels sparse, yet somehow grand, and there are moments that are stunning in their depth. With Atone, White Moth Black Butterfly have crafted a work of significant beauty."
Bryan Morey & Patrick McAfee: 8.5 out of 10 in DPRP reviews edition 72
Barock Project - Detachment
"They employ a wide range of musical styles that are supported by excellent musicianship, strong vocals and the full embracing of a good melody. This album is refreshingly upbeat. Though lyrically there is a fair amount of pain and heartbreak covered, somehow the music takes on a breezy, optimistic vibe."
Patrick McAfee: 9.5 out of 10 in DPRP Reviews edition 30
Cheer-Accident – Putting Off Death
The 13th studio album by Chicago's finest, is an eclectic mix of art-rock, avant-prog, post-rock and pop.
"Putting Off Death is a wonderful and warm amalgam of Matching Mole surrealism, Knifeworld attack and Zappa's prog-quirk. It is an album where each track could be by a different group, but the diversity of styles are unified by a coherent and intelligent vision. By turns a challenging, rewarding and entertaining listen, by a band at the top of their collective game."
Martin Burns: 8.5 out of 10 in DPRP Reviews edition 70Valdez - This
Valdez is the first musical adventure from the ex-Tinyfish vocalist and guitarist Simon Godfrey since moving to America.
"This has, for me, been the biggest and most welcome surprise of the year to date. It is likely that I wouldn't have picked up on this album if not for DPRP. However, I can honestly say that tracks such as No Stone Unturned, Smile For The Camera and Sally Won't Remember have definitely improved my life."
"This has, for me, been the biggest and most welcome surprise of the year to date. It is likely that I wouldn't have picked up on this album if not for DPRP. However, I can honestly say that tracks such as No Stone Unturned, Smile For The Camera and Sally Won't Remember have definitely improved my life."
Mark Hughes: 9 out of 10 in DPRP Reviews edition 57
Lee Abraham – Colours
Sixth album from Galahad's Lee Abrahams shows off his more commercial, radio-friendly side.
"With its sure-footed blend of melodic mainstream rock and prog, there is nothing overtly complex or understated about this album, but every song lingers long in the memory. In short, this is possibly the best album Asia never made."
"With its sure-footed blend of melodic mainstream rock and prog, there is nothing overtly complex or understated about this album, but every song lingers long in the memory. In short, this is possibly the best album Asia never made."
Geoff Feakes: 9 out of 10 in DPRP Reviews edition 90
DO NOT MISS THIS!
Here is another list of 10 fabulous prog albums you may have missed in 2017.
If you want even more recommendations, then have a look at last year's version of this article:
12 Progressive Rock Albums You May Have Missed in 2016
If you want even more recommendations, then have a look at last year's version of this article:
12 Progressive Rock Albums You May Have Missed in 2016