 |
|
 |
Thursday, September 2, 2010 |
 |
 |
|
"Progressive rock" is a style of music that combines classical music's sense of space and monumental scope with rock's raw power and energy. Other musical styles such as R&B, jazz, folk, avant-garde and world music are also frequently incorporated. Arrangements are typically complex, dynamic and multi-dimensional usually featuring intricate keyboard and guitar playing. Dynamics are also an important part of progressive rock. A mixture of loud passages, soft passages and musical crescendos add to the emotion of arrangements, as do extended instrumental solos.
|
|
 |
 |
| Sub-Genres in Detail |
|
| Canterbury |
|
This sub-genre was spawned from a specific region of England of
the same name. Canterbury music involves very complex and intricate arrangements, often including elements of
jazz. Even within such busy, serious music, an air of humor usually lingers about.
Caravan, National Health, Gentle Giant, Nathan Mahl, Echolyn |
|
| Electronic |
|
Sometimes called "new age," much of this music was in existence well before the term was coined. The music is
typically very explorative and characterized by the use of almost all electronic equipment. There is often a
concentration on sonority and texture over and above other musical attributes. Often very spacious and
ethereal, it can sometimes be quite powerful in a dark way, but without sounding industrial.
Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach, Klaus Schulze, Kit Watkins, Jean-Michel Jarre |
|
| Fusion |
|
In relation to progressive rock, fusion takes on the form of highly improvised guitar and keyboard interplay
punctuated with jazz drumming. Vocals are few and far between, but there is usually enough going on musically
that they are not missed. At first listen, fusion can sound monotonous or tedious, but with a few listens, the
true complexity and talent begins to shine though. Like RIO, it can be an acquired taste.
Bruford, Brand X, Allan Holdsworth, Mahavishnu Orchestra, McGill Manring Stevens |
|
| Krautrock |
|
"Krautrock" is a term used to refer to a form of usually strange rock originating from Germany in the 1970s.
Music of this genre is typified by loose, improvisation with a significant amount of experimentation and
sometimes dark, whimsical flavor. Krautrock can often be difficult to listen to as it can be quite sinister
and covertly intellectual.
Amon Düül II, Faust, Agitation Free, Ash Ra Tempel, Can |
|
| Neo-Progressive |
|
Evolving from the late '70s Genesis sound, neo-progressive melds the strong melodies of symphonic progressive
with the harder, guitar edge of the early and mid-80s. Although fantasy themes were still used, more modern-
day topics were explored in the lyrics. Strong musicianship is important, but the up-front virtuosity is often
not as evident as in the other genres. Many neo-prog songs are shorter in length and are often more accessible
to the average music listener.
Marillion, Pendragon, IQ, Pallas, Iluvatar, Crucible, Collage, Nexus, Satellite |
|
| Progressive Metal |
|
Progressive metal came into full realization during the late '80s as the guitar-heavy mainstream met with old
school progressive sensibilities. Hard progressive rock bands like Rush and Deep Purple and heavy metal bands
like Metallica and Iron Maiden were of equal influence in the creation of progressive metal. Largely guitar-
based, the music is characterized by powerful riffs, blazing solos, occasional time changes and heavy metal
vocals. Sometimes called "pomp rock," progressive metal bands will also include indulgent intros and outros
and even the token ballad.
Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Ayreon, Gordian Knot, Spiral Architect |
|
| Rock-In-Opposition |
|
Rock-In-Opposition, or simpy RIO for short, is a sub-genre of progressive rock that is as difficult to describe as it can be
to listen to. That is not a criticism, but merely a fact. RIO bands tend to be influenced more by 20th century
classical music rather than the earlier classical that influenced the symphonic bands. The music is extremely
challenging complex and, for most, is an acquired taste.
Henry Cow, Univers Zero, Thinking Plague, Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, Miriodor |
|
| Space Rock |
|
Born in the '60s with an early Pink Floyd, space rock is typified by swirling guitars and keyboards, sometimes
with a minimalist approach. While some of the music from this sub-genre is soothing and relaxing, others take
a more aggressive approach incorporating incessant grooves and wild guitar, keyboard or even flute solos. Many
space rock bands are all instrumental, but those with vocalists often focus on very cosmic themes. Ambient and
electronic music is sometimes labeled as space rock.
Hawkwind, Ozric Tentacles, Hidria Spacefolk, Ship of Fools, Quarkspace, Korai Orom |
|
| Symphonic |
|
This category of progressive rock is where most of the well-known bands fall (aka Art Rock). The symphonic
bands execute their arrangements with a great deal of orchestration, sometimes creating extended songs in the
form of multi-part suites. Elements of classical and jazz music are often prevalent as well. It is also common
for an abundance of musical virtuosity to be exuded in the form of long solos, frequent time changes, shifts
in tempo and strong sense of dynamics. Typically, lyrical content involves philosophy, mysticism, the abstract
or science fiction.
Yes, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson, PFM, Banco, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings |
|
| Zeuhl |
|
Essentially created by French seminal band, Magma, Zeuhl is a very unique and very challenging form of music
incorporating chanting, dissonance and loud rock. Stylistically there are elements of Bartok, Stockhausen,
Duke Ellington, blues shouting and even original spoken languages!
Magma, Eskaton, Shub-Niggurath, Honeyelk, Musique Noise |
|
| |
References:
1. "The Progressive Rock Files" by Jerry Lucky
2. "Rocking the Classics" by Edward Macan
3. rec.music.progressive FAQ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
