PARALLEL OR 90 DEGREES - THE TIME CAPSULE - 1998

I remember vividly how I did get this CD for the first time. Yeah, this CD represents my come back to the prog music after having believed that prog music died after Fish Marillion in 1988. Well, practically since then I did not pay attention to the development of prog music. AT the same time I was not into internet frequently at that time until I met a friend of mine in 1997 who confirmed me that prog was still alive. He played IQ "Ever" for me and handed me a catalogue of prog music from Cyclops (Malcolm). So I did try with some bands which had some influences from other legendary bands. Po90 was said as a band that was heavily influenced by Van Der Graaf, so I did order the CD of this album and the debut album "The Corner of My Room".

I do agree completely that any fan of Van Der Graaf would most likely love the music of Parallel or 90 Degrees provided that the music was recorded with modern technology which much more on electronic style as compared to Hammond-bashing of early Van der Graaf music. The vocal quality of Andy Tillison is in a way similar with Peter Hammill even though the two gentlemen have different timbre. Organ sounds seem very obvious throughout songs in this album and they provide graet listening pleasure especially for those who favor VdGG music.

Some excellent tracks include "Unforgiving Skies" which gives the dynamics of early Van Der Graaf music taken into the next level. The vocal quality of Andy gives unique characteristics of Po90 music. "The Sea" is also another excellent track especially on the changes of textures throughout repetitive rhythm section. But this song does not sound a boring music at all. "Blues for Lear" brings the music in mellow style with piano as main rhythm section. It moves flawlessly to the next segment with vocal but it still in bluesy music. The epic "The Time Capsule" encapsulates the band's vision for their music. With 22 minute plus duration, this might be of interest to those who love classic prog songs that endure more than 20 minutes like in Van der Graaf's "Pawn Hearts" album.

Even though not every song contained in this album are excellent but, I'm inclined to give it a full four star album. Well, my statement would seem "justified" especially if you enjoy the epic "Time Capsule" - it's a prog rock at its best! Keep on proggin' ..!
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