On An On

Wow, did this come out of nowhere. Got connected to Syd Arthur through Amazon and am ever grateful. A great CD of progressive music, Canterbury Style. Syd Arthur is comprised of multi-talented musicians who studied their ancestry well. The sound is progressive for the 21st Century but with a clear tribute to the musical styles of the early Soft Machine and Caravan clearly present. What is refreshing is that there is no needless noodling and each note on each song has a purpose. The guitars are up front and, in many instances are raw, which blends nicely with the outstanding violin work throughout. It has been some time since an album brought such a smile to my face. With each listern the beauty and complexity of "On an On" grows. Highlights: "Ode to the Summer", "Edge of the Earth", "Night Shaped Light", however, each song brings me back to those moments when Caravan's "Land of the Grey and Pink" first hit my stereo decades ago. Syd Arthur has a timeless sound and creative capacity that will delight old time proggers like me and those who are looking to go to places that music seldom reaches these days. Outstanding and, right now, my choice for Album of the Year.

I saw Syd Arthur open for YES in July of 2014. I had never heard of them before that. I liked what I heard so I pulled up some songs on youtube to get a better feel for the band which in turn led me to buy "On An On" and "Sound Mirror". Some of the best music I've heard in the last few years. I would describe them as progressive with a little taste of pop. Hoping to hear more new music from them in the future. I highly recommend both albums.

If you like your vocalists and bands to all sound the same, kind of "average", this is probably not for you. The vocals have a certain edge that really drew me in. Music is prog-ish but not overly complex. You just have to listen. I can't explain it in words!

I wasn't overwhelmed on the first listen but after a few more it's beginning to grow on me. I don't really know why but I was expecting someting a little darker in mood. That probably tainted my opinion but I've since opened my mind up and it's really a nice record.

As advertised!

First four songs are great, and then into some retro progressive south of England musical introspection, but overall a very cool young band with great stuff to come.

The album is great but it arrived after my 2 day guarantee shipping and had a crease in the cover.

At first I hated the singer. It is sort of an acquired taste. When I heard Paradise Lost I was hearing more like the Prog rock I was used to hearing like King Crimson with a sort of Canturbury feel. The main thing I'm impressed with is the way the singer plays the guitar. He plays with the tone down, but with a little distortion. Sounds like a hollow body in parts, and other times sounds like a Strat. He plays a fingerstyle rhythm that is unique as far as I can tell. Most of the chords are jazzed up, they can't seem to play a straight chord or melody which stretches me a little too much. It's kind of chaotic feeling with the dizzying rhythms, and the laid back Canturbury feel. Although you would think this music would not be accessible, it is quite modern sounding, and accessible if you can handle the barrage of melodic dynamic changes. The singer has a heavy Canturbury accent (I think - I'm American), almost sounds like a French accent. Too much time riding in the Chunnel? Definitely a must for prog rock listeners to check out. It's not really that strong as far as strong structure - it's mainly verses that have a good instrumental backing. Difficult to describe this kind of animal. Anticipating the next release. It sounds like they are on the verge of becoming a large act if they aren't already.