Prog Digest – An Xperience Column

Prog Digest – An Xperience Column – by Klyde Kadiddlehumper.

Well, folks – here we go.

A New Year.

2026.

Before we get to the heart of the matter – a confession.

Klyde had planned a memorial of sorts for the musicians who had passed in the Prog world this past 2025.  Not gonna happen.

We’ll look at happier things, as we all could probably use that right about now.

You all get it.

So – here we go.

Ya might not think it possible, but in “real” life, Klyde has a day job.  One that pays the bills and all that jazz.  Or Prog in my case. Actually being able to listen to all the great stuff that has come out.

Thankfully, for a change, I have at least one of the albums considered among the best of the year.  For a guy so buried in his own stupidity – a minor miracle.

Jethro Tull’s “Curious Ruminant” made the cut.  Of course, still trying to figure out how it also ended up as one of the top “rock and metal” albums of the year.  Rock, perhaps, but metal? Wait. Wait. There was that whole Tull-winning-the first-ever-Heavy-Metal-Grammy … still scratching my head over that one.

A solid effort – best in years.  Although one could argue it’s really an Ian Anderson record, as the entirety of the original band is gone.  Worth a listen.

Renowned prog bassist Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, The Tangent, Steve Hackett) brings us Karmakanic’s “Transmutation.” There’s something spellbinding and impossible to put one’s finger on.  Familiar, yet new.  Eminently listenable in a really engaging way. It gives you more, but it continually grows on Klyde. Not in a moss on the tree kinda way – a really warm and cozy listen.

Perennial favourite Steve Wilson brought us “The Overview.”  A sweeping epic of mind-bending brilliance that acoustically gives us his take on the overview effect. The further you travel from Earth, the more likely you are to have a fundamental change in how you perceive the world and its place in the universe.  You really must get this one.

Now, when ol’ Klyde sees the following description of a band, his ears perk up.  And I quote: “Edensong are essentially what would happen if Jethro Tull, Dream Theater,  Pain of Salvation , and Echolyn were mixed into a musical stew.” “Our Road to Dust” is a wild ride full of unexpected twists and turns, alternating between soothing melodies and rip-roaring prog metal. Hot damn, what a good time. Another in heavy rotation.

From the “out of the ashes” bin is Cardiacs’ release,  “LSD.”  Begun in 2007 and 25 years following their previous record in 1999, this was begun by Tim Smith.  Health problems and his passing in 2020 moved the project at a glacial pace.  This one is a great listen and serious in so many ways.

Finally, my nomination for best album title: “Magic 8 Ball” from Gazpacho. Perhaps it’s the link to one of my favs, Marillion, that draws me here.  The band takes its name from the song of the same name on Marillion’s “Afraid of Sunlight” record (really great in and of itself – how can you go wrong with one song being “Cannibal Surf Babe” … she was born in nineteen sixty weird …).  Yeah.

So, for now, let’s put this particular puppy to bed (Constant Companion keeps asking for a puppy) and get to it, shall we?

Each new year brings a certain anticipation.  We all hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  Such is the nature of the beast.

Embrace who you are.  Ask yourself the hard questions and, perhaps, give yourself and others a break from time to time.

And, as it is that time of year as I write, remember the immortal words of Constant Companion:

“Nothing says Christmas like Godzilla.”

Until next time.

Klyde

 

 

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