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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

Zen Carnival - "Bardo"

Label - Self-Produced
Reviewed by: Kevin Cloe
Genre: Prog Rock
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 67:11
Release Date: June 24, 2006
Band Members: Ken Pfeifer: Vocals, Keyboards Bill Denison: Guitar, Bass, Production
  Mike James: Keyboards Carl Puglisi: Drums, Percussion
     
Track Listing: 1.)- Solar Circles (4:35) 8.)-Pins and Needles (10:26)
  2.)- In This World (5:58) 9.)- Beneath White (6:03)
  3.)- Blindness (7:33) 10.)-Zeitgeist (4:43)
  4.)- Coax (5:35) 11.)-Evening of Our Days (7:56)
  5.)- Half Awake (4:28) 12.)-Coda (2:16)
  6.)-Shadows Speak (5:27)  
  7.)-The Gate (2:11)
     
The Review

This one was a hard review to write and a hard album to learn. This album is... different... and a mixed bag of styles. Zen Carnival's first release from 1999 was a neo-prog affair that had a lot to like about it, despite its bad production. The band then disappeared from the face of the earth. Now, 7 years later, we finally have a follow up. Let me warn any who are expecting the same type of music - the band has changed their sound. This is not necessarily a bad thing - but do not expect the same Marillion-influenced work as before (although some of that does remain).

"Bardo" sounds to me as if it was recorded in two different time phases: some of it sounds similar to the past, as if it was recorded around the time the first album was released, and some has a new, jazzy feel to it. Indeed, in looking at the sleeve - it states the album was recorded over a 5 year period, so perhaps I am right. There is also a distinct "poppy-prog" influence that definitely brings to mind some of the newer post rock bands from time to time (think Porcupine Tree, Kino, etc). The jazz influence would have to be the biggest difference here, however, as it influences the majority of the tracks to some degree. There is still a healthy dose of prog to go around, however - and the band's vocalist, Ken Pfeifer, sounds great as ever. For those unfamiliar - he sounds very similar to Steve Hogarth.

So we have some jazzy pieces (Solar Circles, In This World), some neo-prog influenced pieces (Pins and Needles, Blindness, Evening of Our Days - any of these 3 could have easily been on the first release) and some weird ones that grow on you (Shadows Speak, Coax, Half Awake). This is one of those albums that will not immediately impress you, but after repeated listenings you realize that it is very different from anything else out there and begin to admire it. Sometimes change is good - I like what these guys are doing and think they are on to something. All they need at this point is some better production and a record deal and they are on their way! I think they are perfect for Inside Out....

Check out this release for something different than your standard prog outfit. Lets hope their next release comes out before 2013!

Rating: 3.5 stars

 

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