When We Changed You (Purple Pyramid, 2013)
With the XNA album When We Changed You, Cleopatra Records’ imprint Purple Pyramid enters into solid progressive rock territory. XNA combines the charm of 1970s symphonic rock (Yes, Genesis) with sci-fi elements, including space rock influences. The new band uses fantasy, solid musicianship, engaging vocals and a combination of modern and vintage musical instruments.
Although the mellotron is normally associated with progressive rock, some 1970s bands used string synths that had a peculiar sound. Although I prefer the mellotron because of its timeless sound, the string synths used by XNA bring back the classic sound of well-known prog groups from the U.S., U.K., Italy, Spain, France, etc.
The XNA lineup on the album includes former Gabble Ratchet (Genesis tribute band) lead vocalist David Hussey, keyboardist Adam Malin (Psycle, Sheltered Lives), drummer and percussionist Scott Connor (Circa:, Yoso), guitarist Danny Bryle (Psycle, Universe, Pookie), guitarist John Thomas (Toni Childs, Vixen, Firefly, John Brown Band) and bass player Jeff Bird (Roundabout, Magnolia). Billy Sherwood (Yes, Circa:) produced the album and played bass and additional guitars on the album. Even though I’ve been critical of some of Billy Sherwood’s recent productions because what he called prog was really AOR, in this occasion he does an excellent job, his bass lines are outstanding and this is definitely straight ahead progressive rock, the good stuff.
The album is packaged in a lavish hard cover CD book format with great artwork, photos and lyrics.
When We Changed You showcases the multifaceted sound of XNA, one of the most promising new progressive rock bands in the symphonic rock genre.