Robert Neft – “The Demise of Gaia” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Robert Neft – The Demise of Gaia

Robert Neft is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, video artist and photographer. He is also co-founder of The Anagram Principle, a Pittsburgh-based progressive rock duo. He has created a wonderful concept rock album about the “beauty of Mother Earth and the careless destruction that humans have been causing”. Bob says, “We need to care about each other, look up from our screens and get involved in saving Mother Earth before it is too late”.

Bob released The Demise of Gaia on December 20, 2019. It is a wonderful album which will bring back many memories of Unitopia’s high hopes. Bob, plays all instruments and sings lead vocals. Bob included the wonderful vocal talents of Linda Davis on the album.

Every track on this album is a worthy production. The message being delivered is both a warning and a celebration of what could be for the future of the globe, if only we would experience and appreciate it, in all its brilliance.

“Arid Sky”, opens with birdsong and other wonderful sounds of nature. With flute and percussion adding to the experience, like Unitopia, at their height. Then Robert Neft’s first vocals. Hard to place. Similar to maybe Trevor Horn, only captured through some electronic devise. The music is acoustic and fills you with smiles.

“Tribal Moon”, is a thunderous African drum centerpiece that will absolutely rock your world. Easily my favorite song on the album.

“River – Water is Life”, is another great song full of great beat and rhythm. Just like a river. Bob’s lyrics and vocals are inspiring, “From the mountains vast expanse it keeps flowing to the sea. The endless fountain, a sparkling dance”. The bass is memorable on this track.

“Makes You Wonder”, is a cool guitar and keyboard extravaganza. Enjoy it while you can…only 1:32.

“Cold”, opens with Linda Davis’ vocals. The guitar and bass work is mystical. The percussion and drum work is also very good. The lyrics remind me so much of Unitopia.

“Too Many of Us”, is full of acoustic guitar, keyboards bass and percussion. At times, Robert Neft tries to reach Mark Trueack’s vocal level. It is close, but not there. I like his compass lyrics at the end, along with the acoustic guitar and organ.

“New Morning at the Waterworks”, is full of cool percussion and rhythm at the start. The songs sounds a little like Peter Gabriel’s music from the 1980s. The longest track on the album is full of natural sounds, some amazing effects, spoken word, saxophone and keyboards. Memories of Unitopia expand.

“Resplendent Wonder”, is full of that inspiring piano and symphonic music I remember so well from Unitopia’s “Garden”, and others. This mostly stringed instrumental soars.

“Change”, is a powerful, full force dash into the jungle. Cool percussion and guitar rhythms bounced off perfect bass. The hardest rock song on the album. Very similar to mid-eighties Peter Gabriel. You just don’t want those drums to end. But the guitar solo at the end is worth the price of admission.

“Afreeka”, opens with drums and cool Gabriel-like keyboards. Almost like a throwback to Gabriel’s Security album. Very nice. Some very cool pipe organ-like sounds fill the air towards the end. Thanks for that!

“Chilled Beyond Beans”, opens with cool guitar and sound effects, supported by percussion and organ.

“Rebirth of Gaia”, is a beautiful instrumental full of chanting, flute and effects.

Wow! I have missed that sound at Unitopia’s height for so long. Neft has brought back many memories here. This is a wonderful collection of inspired music created to make you stop and think about the Earth, while enjoying wonderful music. Please give this a listen.

Track List