Argos recently, August 20, 2021, released their sixth album, The Other Life. The album is a wonderful adventure in classic prog sounds full of expert musicianship with entertaining themes and lyrics.
Argos is made up of: Thomas Klarmann, on bass, flute, keyboards, soundscapes, as well as lead and backing vocals; Robert Gozon, on lead vocals and keyboards; Bogáti-Bokor Ákos, on electric, acoustic and bass guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals; Ulf Jacobs, on drums, percussion, and backing vocals.
For The Other Life, Argos welcomed the guest appearances of: Stephanie Semeniuc, (Yesterdays, Funk You), on backing vocals; Marek Arnold, (Seven Steps to the Green Door, Toxic Smile), on saxophone; and Thilo Brauss, on keyboards and organs.
This is a wonderful classic progressive rock album full of new sounds and ideas. The music will bring back memories of Jethro Tull with the flute and arrangements; as well as early IQ, with its classic keyboards, and others you remember from the British Isles. A wonderful trip back into that 1980s period, when dreams still seemed possible. “Johnny Head-in-Air” is a perfect example of that type of song. Carefree and full of floating flute notes, chugging into the wind. Even the title of the track is something Ian Anderson might have wished he thought of first. Easily one of the best tracks on the album.
But the guitar work will remind you of early IQ and others from the Neo-Prog era in the UK. The Other Life is like that. A great nostalgic trip back to a time we all know and loved.
“Chameleon Sky”, is a fun daydream of a song. Yes, playing in the sun. A fun title, for sure. A lyrical twisting song, full of joy and relaxing inspiration. At times the lead vocalist reminds me of Simone Rossetti, of the Italian band, The Watch. In fact, this song fits more of the traditional sound of the music the Watch make. In fact, more than their new album, which I am also reviewing at this time.
Those, Genesis’, “Duchess” – like drumbeats on “Broken Mirror”, sure brought back wonderful memories. But “Broken Mirror” is full of keyboard tributes to Tony Banks, all over it, that are wonderful.
“The Twilight Mind”, would have fit very well on one of IQ’s best recordings, from the past. Simply amazing. Indeed, Michael Holmes would be proud to hear the influence, right from the opening of the track. The organs surrounding the lyrics, “If all that we did was forgiven, would I still fall for you? There’s only one life we’ve been given, so would you still fall for me?”, are just a perfect trip back to IQ and others from that Neo-Prog Era.
The wavy bass/keyboard sound at the opening of “I Carry Light” is very cool and memorable. Then a stomping Tull – like moment, full of percussion and drums, with flute leading the way.
“The Trial of the Pix”, is one of the heavier tracks on the album. Another Tull-like thumping opening, with flute, then elegant lead electric guitar.
But, the best song on the album is the thought-provoking song, “The Library of the Future”. The closer is indeed a wonder, with excellent flute notes, piano and great classic vocals.
This is a wonderful surprise, for my first listen to Argos. The Other Life is a delightful return to a life we remember, but hopefully is not completely gone. Maybe after the Covid-19 pandemic we will be able to return to music, and a time which we remember as kind.
Track List
- Chameleon Sky – 6:31
- Broken Mirror – 4:14
- The Twilight Mind – 6:45
- Johnny Head-in-Air – 5:26
- I Carry Light – 5:47
- The Trial of the Pyx – 7:59
- Weak End – 3:10
- The Shall See Hotel – 6:24
- The Library of the Future – 3:26
Bernd Webler, created the unique artwork. Bogáti-Bokor Ákos, accomplished all of the album mixing. Nyíri Sándor, completed the album mastering.