Murky Red – Long Time No See | Progressive Rock Central.com

Murky Red, a Hélécine, Belgium, progressive rock band, has released their new album, Long Time No See, on October 3rd, of this year, on Melodic Revolution Records.

Murky Red was founded in 2010 by multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Stef Flaming together with his wife Yolanda. The band quickly became known for their dark, atmospheric sound that blends elements of progressive rock, classic rock, blues, psychedelic textures, and cinematic moods, often laced with subtle humor and surreal imagery.

Murky Red’s music often straddles the line between serious, introspective themes and satirical commentary, earning them a cult following in the prog rock underground. Visually, they’ve built a strong identity with striking cover art and symbolic imagery, much of it tied to their surreal lyrical world.

The band has released two previous albums. Their debut album, Time Doesn’t Matter, wasreleased in(2012), introducing everyone to their spirited sound. The second album, No Pocus Without Hocus, released in 2015, was a more refined production that leaned into heavier prog elements while retaining their playful, slightly twisted lyrical edge.

Their new album features the previously released singles “No Woman,” “Pineapple Sweet,” and the upcoming single and video, “Through the Chapel and the Cornrows.” Also featured is “The Maestro’s Shadow,” a heartfelt tribute to the late Colin Tench, co-written by Flaming and his Transmission Rails collaborator, John Moulder. Another notable highlight is a first for the band: a fresh take on “Riders on the Storm,” the iconic 1971 track by The Doors, reimagined in Murky Red’s unique style.

Murky Red is made up of members: Stef Flaming, who plays all instruments; Frank Declerca, on backing vocals on track 2; Petri Lindström, bass guitar on tracks, 3, 4, 5, and 6; Joanne Hatton, triangle on track 5; Marie Vancamp, backing vocals on track 5; Kim Mercken, backing vocals on tracks 5, 6, and 8; Mieke Driesmans, backing vocals on track 5; and Liz Tapi, lead vocals on track 7.

The album opens with a 1970s – like rocking song, “Pineapple Sweet.” This song reminds me of many of the bands of this era including The Dobbie Bothers, Kansas at times with the strings, and maybe even The Grateful Dead. A good rocker styled on ‘70s classics. Off to a good start.

So, let’s stay in the 1970s with the band’s cover of the Door’s classic, “Riders on the Storm.” No, Stef Flaming, is not Ray Manzarek, but who else could play those cool keys like him. And yes, the song needs Jim Morrison’s vocals, but this version does not fall flat without him. Best song on the album, by a long shot!

There is a music video for “Through the Chapel and the Cornrows,” which is worth watching before you listen to the album. It will give you an indication of where this band is going before you listen to the entire album. After listening to this song and album, all I can say is that Murky Red loves making music. They like making music that pleases them and their fan base. This one has a Middle Eastern/darker sound to the melody and music. And the band’s press release describes the song best: “The music video confronts the listener with surreal imagery and sharp cultural commentary. Unsure of his own lyrical intent, frontman Stef Flaming turned to AI analysis for insight, only to conclude that he “may need a team of psychiatrists.” Still, the song’s core themes resonate: identity under pressure, societal upheaval, environmental decay, and the blurred nature of morality in the modern world. The lyrics conjure a reality where destruction and harmony coexist, transformation is unpredictable, and the absurdity of modern existence looms large. It is, at its heart, a meditation on the chaos of contemporary life.” This by far, is the best original band song on the album. The groove is absolutely spacey, and memorable. Unfortunately, so is the music video. It is a major trip, like the ones they used to take with the help of drugs back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Once seen, it is hard to forget. But very innovative and new, indeed.

“Ian’s Beans,” opens with a Mark Knopfler – like guitar riff. And it sounds so good. This is another peaceful rocker, full of spirit and energy. There are also some heavier metal electric guitars later, which sound great. The added bell, will keep you focused. I really think Mark Knopfler would like this song. So definitely like Dire Straits.

“No Woman,” is a great song about preventing woman from experiencing tragedy and/or and violence. They even mentioned Trump’s famous line in the lyrics, as Marie Vancamp, Kim Mercken, and Mieke Driesmans, sing, “Don’t grab me by the p____,” set to a reggae beat.

“Sister up there, in the Sky,” is a mysterious story, set to cool wandering electric guitar. They even bring out some brass to add to the bluesy feel of this song. This song has a mysterious, “Sisters of the Moon,” kind of Fleetwood Mac, sound to it. If Fleetwood mac knew how to play prog music.

“The Maestro’s Shadow,” is the longest song on the album. It opens with soft piano and keyboards. Liz Tapia sings lead vocals, as the harpsichord and carnival keyboards play. They add brass and build a carnival atmosphere type of soundscape. I felt like walking through New Orleans, with a circus all around me. Then, the song descends into eerie sounds full of prog keys and soft drums. The lead guitar, and then, flute, help steer you into a different direction. Such a wonderful varied sound, that you just must sit back to hear what is next. So many cool, time signature and melody changes. There is a little hint of Don McLean’s, “American Pie,” “When the music died,” towards the end. Music that makes you think and anticipate the ending…which was like a lullaby.

“Alle Aardse Dromen,” translated, “All Earthly Dreams” is the album closer. It opens with big bold piano keys. Then, soft drums and woodwind. A song sung in Dutch, with good guitar rhythms and a soft melody.

I would definitely recommend, Murky Red’s Long Time No See. It is full of innovative music and one dynamic cover of one of my favorite, and favorite Door’s songs. This is a journey you should take. So unique and independent of the typical prog sounds you hear from so many bands. Don’t wait a long time to hear Murky Red’s Long Time No See. Give it a full listen and I think you’ll want to hear more.