Prog Rock – VoyagerFest http://www.voyagerfest.org Experimental. Progressive. Evolving. Tue, 14 May 2019 01:10:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 http://www.voyagerfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cropped-voyager-favicon-32x32.png Prog Rock – VoyagerFest http://www.voyagerfest.org 32 32 The Aaron Clift Experiment http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/aaron-clift-experiment Sat, 16 Jul 2016 23:15:23 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=730 Just as scientists conduct experiments by using their knowledge to explore the unknown, The Aaron Clift Experiment combines elements of classic and cutting-edge music into an innovative whole.

The band’s unique songs draw from a wide range of influences – from classic progressive rock acts like Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Rush to modern groups like Porcupine Tree and Opeth to classical and jazz composers like Beethoven, Schubert, and John Coltrane. Aside from its diversity, The Aaron Clift Experiment is dedicated to producing soulful, powerful music and an intense live show.

In 2012, the band released its debut album, “Lonely Hills,” to rave reviews from both fans and the music press and was named one of the best unsigned bands of 2013 by Prog Magazine.

With the release of its critically-acclaimed 2015 album, “Outer Light, Inner Darkness,” the band continued its ascension. The album was called “an impressive sophomore outing” by Prog Magazine, “gorgeously emotive” by Progression Magazine, and named one of the best releases of 2015 by Progradar. In 2016, The Aaron Clift Experiment was nominated for a Progressive Music Award in the Limelight category by Prog Magazine.

Today, The Aaron Clift Experiment continues to lead the way in fusing the sophistication and depth of classical music with the passion and raw power of rock and roll.  What began as an idea of how to create music has now blossomed into a full-fledged experiment. We invite you to join us in this experiment as we embark on our new path.

Web site: www.aaronclift.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aaroncliftmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aaroncliftmusic
You Tube: www.youtube.com/aaroncliftmusic

]]> Built for the Future http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/built-for-the-future Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:53:29 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=727 B4tF attempt to combine the dynamic of interesting music/prog with the accessibility of alternative melodic songwriting. Far more emphasis on arrangement than complexity. The focus on classic sounds like the 12 string acoustic guitar, Rickenbacker bass, mellotron, Moog, Hammond and other analog synths combine with more alternative influences in writing and production.

Bandcamp: http://builtforthefuture1.bandcamp.com/releases

]]> Space Mariner http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/space-mariner Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:27:37 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=712 Beam me up matey! Space Mariner is breaking the barriers of sound with 9000 knots of pulse pounding space pirate proggy goodness. This conceptual alternative space prog metal band follows the story of Jack Kepler as he struggles to survive on a broken space vessel and find his way home. His only companion, K.E.R.I.G.A.N. a cybernetic artificial intelligence, accompanies him on this adventure exploring the limitations of machinery, space travel, and humanity. Prepare your ears for the best space pirate conceptual prog metal you’ve heard this side of Austin.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-560561368/sets/space-mariner-ep

]]> Groove Think http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/groove-think-2 Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:25:20 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=710 Groove Think is an innovative trio based in Austin, TX. Fusing progressive rock with elements of groove metal, funk, and jazz, they put on an energetic live performance that will make your head bang and set your feet to dancing. Groove Think established in October of 2010 with Frederick Jones on guitar, Corey Isaacks on bass, and Mike Krieger on drums. The band has recorded two EPs and one LP, played hundreds of gigs, toured regionally throughout Texas and the Southern United States, and has performed at multiple festivals including Pecan Street Festival and SXSW. Their most recent release of their first, full length concept album entitled ‘Intellect’ was on May 2nd 2015. GT’s second concept album, an extension of ‘Intellect’, is due out sometime in the spring of 2017. Groove Think is served best on the rocks and will gladly accompany you to far out spaces.

]]> Proud Peasant http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/proud-peasant-2 Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:15:31 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=704 Cinematic progressive rock band Proud Peasant (Austin, Texas, USA) released their debut album Flight in May 2014 to considerable acclaim. Their sound has drawn comparisons to Mike Oldfield, Gryphon, and Wobbler, with classic and modern sounds residing comfortably beside one another. The band has since evolved into a six-piece, and their newest release, Cosmic Sound, is a 7″ single for acclaimed vinyl-only label Fruits de Mer Records. Released in April 2016, it includes covers of songs by Eloy and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and has been reviewed favorably, with one track being featured on the covermount CD for Prog Magazine issue 67. The band is currently recording their second album, Communion, and hopes to release it in early 2017.

 

]]> Thirteen of Everything http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/thirteen-of-everything Sat, 16 Jul 2016 21:42:15 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=695 Founding members of Thirteen of Everything first convened in 2000. After a couple of years of jamming on musical ideas and developing arrangements, the band name was chosen and a self- titled CD-R was recorded and released in 2002, and distributed at NEARfest in 2002 and 2003. During 2003 ToE performed at venues in Austin and Dallas.
In late 2003, ToE received an offer from French progressive rock record label Musea Records to manufacture and distribute the self-titled recording. ToE accepted, but preferred to make a better recording and add new material to, so ToE proceeded to record what became their debut album. “Welcome, Humans”, was released by Musea Records in 2005 and received many positive reviews in progressive rock circles and publications.

Since that time, due to various factors including changes in personnel, ToE activity was sporadic, but focused on writing and recording new material, rather than live performance. In 2016, ToE returned to live performance.

The new recordings are mostly complete, with plans to finalize and release them as a 2nd album.

]]> The Invincible Czars http://www.voyagerfest.org/2016/07/16/the-invincible-czars Sat, 16 Jul 2016 20:46:30 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=690 The Invincible Czars are an adventurous, eclectic band from Austin, TX. They make music for thinkers, geeks, nerds and seekers/lovers of all things in the “other” category.  The group has come to operate more like an arts collective in recent years with seasonal material and  ambitious projects that most rock bands would never think to try.  They approach each project with a desire to explore a broader gamut of emotions, sounds and styles in hopes of moving the mind as much as the behind.

The band blends riffy prog-rock, classical music, loungey grooves, spacey klezmer, country shuffles and draw from a myriad of disparate influences from Tchaikovsky to Zappa, Louis Armstrong to The Scorpions and Neko Case to Danny Elfman, all with the DIY spirit post-punk groups like NoMeansNo and Fugazi.

Their shows are always entertaining and out of the ordinary. Humor, magic tricks and minor acrobatics abound.  Not to mention their wardrobe collection!

[button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/voyager-music-festival-september-17-18-2016-tickets-26627575796″ size=”medium” text_color=”#ffffff” color=”#03a136″]TICKETS[/button]

]]> Transcendence on East Sixth Street: A Night of Prog http://www.voyagerfest.org/2015/11/07/transcendence-east-sixth-street-night-prog Sat, 07 Nov 2015 19:56:31 +0000 http://www.voyagerfest.org/?p=396

On any given Friday night, you’ll find the city of Austin brimming with a variety of great live music. Within the array, sometimes you’ll get to experience something that is truly unique. And, when the stars align, it can be transcendent. Those that are wise to the power of prog were treated to such an event on Friday night. A throng of fans joined four of Austin’s most interesting bands at the Lazy Lizard for a night of camaraderie, fun, and mind-bendingly awesome music.

blackladder-editAre the rumors true?
Can I really have my funk and classical too?

Indeed, this is a confirmed fact.
Black Ladder provides the proof. The evening began with the power trio combining classical melodies with funk hooks and hard rock riffs to elevate minds everywhere. Band members Shane Lamb (keyboard), Clarence Riley IV (Bass), and Ray Cardenas (drums) delighted the crowd with their awe-inspiring arrangements.

aaronclift-editOuter Light, Inner Darkness

Such is the title and thematic premise of the latest offering from the Aaron Clift Experiment, and fans were treated to selections from the album at last night’s show. As crowd members welcomed “Kissed by the Sun” with a bellow of “PLAY THE LONG VERSION!” the band did not disappoint. The musicality of the entire group is notable, with talent on overdrive from Clift himself on vox and keyboards, as well as the jaw-dropping musical gifts of Eric Guttierez on guitar, Joe Resnick on drums, and Devin North on bass.

anotherdesade-editThe Metamorphosis

The revelry continued with a set from alt-prog titans Another de Sade. Not since Gregor Samsa has shape-shifting been this much fun. This quartet moved deftly through multiple musical genres within a single song (within a single verse!) and the crowd rocked along. From the gothic glory of “Echino” to the prog-brilliance of “False Summit,” band members Mark Schroth, Kibler Hufstedler, Mance Fine, and Greg Haberek channeled their inner Lokis. And the crowd was pleased.

muppletone-edit“Now You’re in for a Real Treat”

Me being a rookie to the Muppletone sound, such was the promise given to me by a fellow crowd member just as the group began their set. And it was not just a treat – it was a smorgasbord of sound and fury, signifying everything. If you can imagine yourself kayaking down a river of fire and alligators in a boat carved from the sounds of a thousand feed-backed violins, you might have a small sense of the power wrought by Muppletone’s Aaryn M. Russell, James Shepherd, Phil Davidson, Mike Ded, and Josh Robbins. It was a great way to cap an incredible event.

And, thus, the night ended – not with a bang nor a whimper, but with a promise of more to come. Thank you to Austin’s growing prog and experimental scene for the amazing event. If you couldn’t make the show, I encourage you to check out the bands at their links below and and try to catch them soon. You will not be disappointed.
The Aaron Clift Experiment
(https://www.facebook.com/AaronCliftMusic)
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