A Seasonal Affair (Progressive Promotion Records, 2015
German band Argos has released one of the finest progressive rock albums of the year. A Seasonal Affair presents a superb set of symphonic progressive rock pieces with a dark edge and a very British sound. The group features outstanding multi-instrumentalists and charismatic soft spoken vocalists who sound like a cross between Van Der Graaf Generator’s Peter Hammill and Steven Wilson. The musical influences also connect the band with Van Der Graaf Generator, Hatfield and the North, Genesis, The Tangent, Big Big Train and Steven Wilson’s recent progressive rock recordings. Thus, Argos connects classic 1970s progressive rock with the some of the finest British acts in today’s scene.
Argos is mentioned as a Canterbury-influenced band. Indeed, there is one piece where the keyboard work and even the vocals have connections with Caravan, but the majority of the album is solidly in the symphonic progressive rock territory. The band has it all: outstanding compositions and arrangements, excellent instrumentalists and vocalists, and top notch recording quality.
Normally, I mention highlights on an album. This time, however, the entire album is so good and full of memorable warm vocals and skilled instrumental parts that it’s hard to choose a piece. Nevertheless, the longest piece on the album, ‘Not in This Picture’ stands out as state of the art symphonic rock at its best.
What started as a studio band has become a formidable live band. The album lineup includes band leader Thomas Klarmann on bass, flute, keyboards, guitars, and lead vocals; Robert Gozon on lead vocals, keyboards, guitars; Ulf Jacobs on drums, percussion, vocals; and Rico Florczak on electric guitars. Guests include Andy Tillison (The Tangent) on keyboards, Marek Arnold (Toxic Smile, United Progressive Fraternity, Seven Steps to the green Door) on soprano sax and Thila Brauss (Pilgrym, Cirqles, Superdrama) who delivers a fabulous synth solo.
The mesmerizing artwork is by German photo artist Bernd Webler, who captures the album’s atmosphere perfectly.
The band’s earlier discography includes Argos (2009), Circles (2010), and Cruel Symmetry (2012).
The beautifully crafted A Seasonal Affair by Argos is surely one of the best progressive rock albums of 2015