Rick Miller – Belief in The Machine (Progressive Promotion Records, 2020)
Canadian multi-instrumentalist Rick Miller’s new album Belief in The Machine presents an uneven mix of musical genres. Although the album is marketed as progressive rock, some songs like That Inward Eye (Part 1), are straight ahead pop.
The major influence on Belief in The Machine is 1980s Pink Floyd, a time when the iconic British band was less progressive. Miller likes music that is melancholic and dark as well, and David Gilmour’s guitar style as well. The highlights of the album are the pieces where Miller ventures into dreamy electronic and psychedelic Floydian territory, such as ‘Belief in the Machine’, ‘The Need to Believe’, ‘Prelude to the Trial’, ‘That Inward Eye (Part 2)’ and ‘The Trial’.
Rick Miller composed and produced the album. He plays many of the instruments (guitars, keyboards) and is joined by several guests: Sarah Young on flute; Mateusz Swoboda on cello; Barry Haggarty on electric guitar; and Will on drums and percussion.