Presto Ballet - The Lost Art Of Time Travel

Year of Release: 2008
Label: Body Of Works Recordings
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 60:25:00

Every year, at least one new release is just so good that it's almost too tough to talk about. For me, this year's model is Presto Ballet's The Lost Art Of Time Travel, an album so strong that to lavish it with superlatives would be to damn it with faint praise. Straight up, then, this is progressive rock the way it is meant to be played: Clean, classic, melodic, bombastic progressive rock that's "retro" enough to delight veteran fans and accessible enough to attract a new generation of followers.

To describe The Lost Art Of Time Travel without referring to the halcyon greats of progressive rock is virtually impossible; homages toYes, Genesis, Rush, and especially Styx are everywhere. Then again, Kurt Vanderhoof formed Presto Ballet to celebrate Seventies-era prog and carry the banner proudly into the 21st century. Appropriately, Vanderhoof is largely responsible for Presto Ballet's retro sound, having written all the music and sharing lyrical duties with vocalist Scott Albright, but every member shares equally in the spotlight. As the leader, Vanderhoof is democratic with his bandmates and frequently takes a supporting role with Lifeson-style arpeggios ("Thieves," "One Tragedy At A Time") and Rutherford/Hackett-influenced melodies ("I'm Not Blind" and "Haze"). The specters of Banks and DeYoung loom large, thanks to McPherson's Hammond and the wonderful analog synthesizers, courtesy of McPherson and Vanderhoof. The rhythm section of Rehaume and Raymond earn big props, too, Rehaume for nimble Squire/Strater-ish bass lines and Raymond for economically complex time-keeping a la Phil Collins at his Genesian best. The biggest surprise of all, though, is singer Albright; no overblown dramatics or piercing histrionics, just straight-from-the-gut vocals reminiscent of Max Bacon and (early) Dennis DeYoung.

So, what better way then to start a mind-blowing album than with a crunchy, prog workout called "The Mind Machine"? Spanning eleven minutes, "The Mind Machine" sets a brisk pace with bracing power chords and sudden rhythmic changes. "Thieves" keeps the pressure on, then "You're Alive" provides a welcome respite with its layers of ringing acoustic guitars, big vocal harmonies, and catchy sing-along choruses. Up next, BIG epic "One Tragedy At A Time" runs the gamut with Yes-style "doot-doot" vocals, Dream Theater thunder, synthed-out ambience, and majestic Stygian choruses ? fists in the air, proggers! "I'm Not Blind" gives Hackett & Rutherford the nod, then launches straight into cocksure bombast a la Angel in their heyday. "Easy Tomorrow" recalls Tull's most raucous moments and features Albright's soulful vocals punched up by McPherson's growling Hammond and some good ol' straight-ahead guitar solos from Vanderhoof. Closer "Haze" shows Presto Ballet at their best: a lush, ?thereal mini-epic that waltzes through Genesian fields to a glorious, choral conclusion. Crème de la cr?me.

Having never heard Peace Among The Ruins, I can't comment on Presto Ballet's evolution over the past three years but, given the strength of The Lost Art Of Time Travel, a comparison just isn't necessary. What I can say is that Presto Ballet have absolutely outdone themselves here with a true gem that demands its place alongside The Yes Album, Selling England By The Pound, A Farewell To Kings, and The Grand Illusion in the collections of prog-rock fans everywhere. Not to be missed.

[Presto Ballet are now signed to ProgRock Records, from whom their CD is also available; catch the band at CalProg 2008, too.]

Tracklisting:
The Mind Machine (10:50) / Thieves (9:04) / You're Alive (4:24) / One Tragedy At A Time (14:00) / I'm Not Blind (6:16) / Easy Tomorrow (6:30) / Haze (9:28)

Musicians:
Scott Albright - vocals
Kurt Vanderhoof - guitars, synthesizers, mellotron, bass pedals
Bill Raymond - drums
Ryan McPherson - Hammond organ, piano, synthesizers, RMI, mellotron, backing vocals
Israel Rehaume - bass

Discography:
Peace Among The Ruins (2005)
The Lost Art Of Time Travel (2008)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: August 11th 2008
Reviewer: David Cisco
Score:
Artist website: www.prestoballet.com
Hits: 4032
Language: english