DPRP has reviewed over 500 different albums in 2022. Thus, you can be forgiven for maybe missing a few real gems along the way.
Here, DPRP reviews editor Andy Read selects 11 releases from lesser-known artists that he feels have not got the attention they deserve! We have tried to select a wide range of artists, representing the many different styles of progressive music.
Below is a mini-review plus a link to the original DPRP review of each album, plus a video sample track from each release. Happy listening!
Below is a mini-review plus a link to the original DPRP review of each album, plus a video sample track from each release. Happy listening!
JOHN HOLDEN - Kintsugi
"John Holden is part of the current wave of melodic prog acts that includes Big Big Train, Dave Bainbridge, Lee Abraham, Robert Reed, Downes Braide Association, Tiger Moth Tales and That Joe Payne. He's also, by his own admission, a "massive" Yes fan, which gives you some idea of where he's coming from musically.
The quality of the songs can be measured by the superb performances he elicits from his guest singers. An album that can boast memorable songs, stunning musicianship and tasteful production is a rarity in this current musical climate. Kintsugi is already on my shortlist for album of the year." Geoff Feakes
OAK - The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise
"Oak is, to put it simply, Oak. They have their own sound blending elements of classical, electronic, rock, jazz, and now even shades of metal. I think they're the most interesting band in the scene right now, and every album is worth taking very seriously. This is a release not to be overlooked." Bryan Morey
EXXASENS - Le-voyage
"Exxasens have always been on the overlaps of prog and post-rock/post-metal. The opening of Le Voyage shows that right away. I like a start of an album to have big sounds. It reminds me a bit of the excellent Audrey Fall.
The sound and compositions have grown. It's more diverse and will appeal to more prog fans than before. Soen and Leprous fans should really take note. It's really become more progressive." Jerry van Kooten
MOON LETTERS
Thank You From The Future
"This is a heavy prog band from the USA, far removed from the more accessible style of music some better known neo-prog bands might produce. I guess you might say this is definitely aimed towards a more seasoned listener, although those with a penchant for adventurous and challenging music are certainly encouraged to have a crack at this very engaging album.
This album reeks of clever and adventurous arrangements that will appeal to those who grew up on a diet of earlier prog luminaries such as Genesis, Yes and Gentle Giant and even Van Der Graaf Generator." Greg Cummins
AKKU QUINTET — Live
"A career-spanning live set from these Swiss eclectic jazz-proggers. With this release Akku Quintet show that than can let themselves fly in the live sphere, as well as producing mesmerising extended grooves. Unfailingly melodic, controlled, but with enough fire to make this essential, this is the best live album I've heard in years." Martin Burns
ELECTRO COMPULSIVE THERAPY - ELECTRO COMPULSIVE THERAPY
"Electro Compulsive Therapy is a progressive rock band from Monterrey in Mexico. Getting to know this album has been an utter delight. It is just a wonderful listen from beginning to end. I would strongly recommend that any fan of melodic, progressive-tinged rock should add this to their listening list." Andy Read
VERSA - A Voyage/A Destination
"Versa is a Canadian band formed 15 years ago, that released an album and two EPs before their breakup. Reformed, the band has released an intriguing and enjoyable new album.
I am happy to suggest that you listen to a sample or two of this compelling, slightly mysterious album. It's been a while since I've heard an album that struck me on first hearing the way this one did, and your experience may well be the same, and you may be led, as I have been, to listen again and again to it." Gerald Wandio
Read the full DPRP review here
OBRASQi - Szepty Ciszy
"This second album from this Polish band is a wonderful collection of atmospheric compositions that gracefully move in a spectrum of dreamy electronic indie-pop, ambient, alternative rock and progressive art-rock, graced by the enchanting voice of an angel." Jan Buddenberg
DEATON LEMAY PROJECT
The Fifth Element
"This is the second album from this USA-based outfit that leans towards symphonic retro-prog. I can assure you that this blueprint of my world in music ticks many of my good old-fashioned musical conservative boxes. As such, it is an immense pleasure to listen to.
Admittedly, I have encountered many, if not all, of the elements and musical explorations on The Fifth Element frequently over the past 40 years, so nostalgia is certainly in play. Yet hearing these strong offerings of superb song-smithery and exceptional high-level performances, with an amazing vocalist to top it all off, is simply a joy!"
Jan Buddenberg
AURA - Underwater
"They've been going for 25 years, but finally this Italian band has come up with a real winner. What Aura play is a combination of styles often summarised under the crossover-prog or heavy-prog banners. There are odd time signatures and clever changes in dynamics. The melodies possess an often-dreamy quality, mainly due to the close harmonies utilised.
Underwater is a great collection of heavy/crossover prog with enough rock to keep me happy and plenty of great melodies." Andy Read
ENMA - Apathy Awakened
"Tilburg-based Enma's mightily impressive debut Apathy Awakened is amongst the best prog-metal albums I've had the pleasure of encountering this past year. It's also the heaviest and thus the perfect illustration of the saying that "variety is the spice of life". It makes my prog metal hunger come fully alive." Jan Buddenberg
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