Overworld Dreams — Geography (self-release, 2024)
New Jersey progressive rock outfit Overworld Dreams released Geography in 2024, built around two extensive suites: the title epic “Geography” and the companion piece “Forces Of Nature.”
The opening stretch of “Geography” stumbles; the heavy metal guitar chug and later hard-rock riffing feel like throwbacks that clip the band’s wings. This is a group with a progressive rock soul, yet those dated prog-metal clichés rein it in. Once the bluster subsides, the record improves considerably. Outstanding synth solos, graceful acoustic passages, dreamy vocals, and alluring electronic atmospheres let the music breathe, while the inventive fretless bass adds character and progressive rock momentum and melodic beauty.
The second piece, “Forces Of Nature,” is a three-part progressive showcase. Elegant piano leads to call-and-response vocals from Maugeri and Elizabeth Holder toward a symphonic rock peak, while brief majestic church-organ, captivating lead guitar lines, and scintillating electronic keyboards build to a tightly executed grand finale.
Randy Sandmann, guitarist, leader, mentor, and friend, appears in the credits and passed away in 2023.
The lineup brings distinct flavors. Guitarist/vocalist Matt Maugeri supplies the heavier side of prog-rock, drawing on David Gilmour and Brian May as much as Joe Satriani and Ace Frehley, with vocals influenced by Steve Walsh, James LaBrie, Ray Alder, and Russell Allen. Vocalist/keyboardist Elizabeth Holder pulls from early jazz, a cappella, choral music, pop, and musical theater, citing influences from Ella Fitzgerald and Sara Vaughan to Lara Fabian and Josh Groban. Keyboardist Ken Walker is deeply influenced by 1970s progressive rock and jazz, tipping the hat to Tony Banks, Rick Wakeman, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea. Bassist Chris Parsons connects with progressive rock legends Chris Squire and Pete Trewavas, hard rocker Geddy Lee and fusion greats John Patitucci and Ralphe Armstrong. Paul Higginbotham’s playing reflects the style of Alex Lifeson to Jacquin Leavano.
Musicians: Matt Maugeri on vocals, guitars; Elizabeth Holder on vocals, keyboards; Ken Walker on keyboards, vocals; Randy Sandmann on guitars; Paul Higginbotham on guitars; Chris Parsons on bass, drums, guitars, keyboards, vocals.
Special guests: Marlayna Maynard on Backing vocals on IV-Lessons; Devynn Bullock on Backing vocals on IV-Lessons; George Parks on Backing vocals on III-Grace: The Eagle Flies.
Produced by Chris Parsons, Ken Walker, and Randy Sandmann. Mixed and mastered by Christopher Parsons and Randy Sandmann at Mobile Monk Studio.
Mastered by Chris Parsons.
Previous recordings include: Voyage (2018), Gateway (2019), Under The Covers I (2020), Under The Covers II (2022), Under The Covers III (2023).
Buy Geography.