The Tangent, the
progressive rock group led by Andy Tillison, will release their 10th
studio album ‘Proxy’ on November 16th, 2018. Recorded during the
band's tour with Karmakanic in 2017/18, which saw them with more
chances than normal to work together on the record - hotel writing
sessions, van discussions, soundcheck ideas - all of which have allowed
the band to make an album that is as organic as they have achieved
since their formation 15 years ago.
Andy Tillison comments: "Our
belief is that Progressive Rock music is still a valid and viable
musical form in 2018 and will continue to be so. Our band has always
sought to take on board things from the present and add them to that
magical mix. We don't claim to be offering the FUTURE. We just claim to
be offering one set of possibilities. Ours. Now."
‘Proxy’ is a riot of juxtaposing styles, presented in a really
direct manner and despite being firmly rooted in the stylistic traits
of the Progressive Rock Genre takes some unexpected turnoffs and a
major swerve. The albums kicks off with a trademark Tangent prog
fantasia based around growling Hammonds, shrieking Synths, whirling
guitars and sharp percussive bass - influences of ELP, Egg,
Hatfield & the North, Caravan and Camel proudly worn on their
sleeves. This 16-minute title track eventually becomes a protest
song about the continuing wars that share their name with the song.
But this album features no overall concept. The second track is a
sun-drenched Mediterranean fusion instrumental, more Chick Corea than
Che Guevara. And the third track is referred to by the band as an
attempt to find the missing link between Porcupine Tree and
Jamiroquai. By the time we reach the centrepiece epic track ‘The
Adulthood Lie’, the rulebook has been left behind and the band are
trying to fix the car with whatever is at hand.
The Tangent came of age some time ago now. After 15 years with a constant
presence on the periphery of the scene, this album is the next step on
the road from a band who have painstakingly revered and recreated the
past, with one eye on the future.
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