Neo-prog: Difference between revisions
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*[[IQ (band)|IQ]] |
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*[[Jadis]] |
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Revision as of 14:09, 20 March 2008
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| Neo-progressive rock | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | Progressive rock Pop-rock |
| Cultural origins | late 1970s to early 1980s, England |
| Typical instruments | Guitar - Bass - Keyboards - Drums - and other acoustic and electronic instruments |
Neo-progressive rock (or often shortened to neo-prog) is a sub-genre of progressive rock, developed and popular in the 1980s, although it lives on today.
Neo-progressive rock is characterized by deeply emotional content, often delivered via dramatic lyrics and a generous use of imagery and theatricality on-stage. The music is mostly the product of careful composition, relying less heavily on improvised jamming. The subgenre relies very much on clean, melodic & emotional electric guitar solos, combined with modern, lush, floating and atmospheric keyboards. The main musical influences on the neo-prog genre are Genesis, Yes, and Pink Floyd. [1]
Early neo-prog was marked by sophisticated lyrics and often dark themes. While the accessibility of neo-prog by the mainstream is debatable, the form did generally seem more radio-friendly, with shorter tracks, than earlier progressive rock. Nonetheless, neo-prog never achieved the heights of popular success that bands like Pink Floyd did.
The early notable neo-prog albums included Script for a Jester's Tear (1983) by Marillion, The Wake (1985) by IQ, and The Sentinel (1984) by Pallas.
Marillion is almost certainly the most popular neo-prog band, peaking in popularity with their albums Misplaced Childhood (1985) and Clutching at Straws (1987). Following this peak, neo-prog declined as a mainstream genre, although these three pioneering bands are still active as of 2004, and several newer groups have worked in the same space in the 1990s and 2000s.
By some fans of progressive rock, neo-prog is criticised for lacking originality compared to other progressive rock - even by such artists as Robert John Godfrey of The Enid [2], whose own band has sometimes been promoted by neo-prog fans.
Despite criticisms, neo-prog still draws a significant fan base and albums are consistently released. One of the biggest labels for neo prog is InsideOut Music [3]. According to the Progressive Archives website [4], the most popular neo prog artists are Marillion, IQ, Arena and Pendragon. News about neo progressive rock bands is given regularly on The Dutch Progressive Rock website [5].
Key artists
- Arena
- Enchant
- Final Conflict/FC
- Fish
- Frost
- IQ
- Jadis
- Landmarq
- Marillion
- Clive Nolan
- Pallas
- Pendragon
- Shadowland
- Twelfth Night
References
- ^ [1] Neo-progressive at Prog Archives
- ^ ProgRockMain
- ^ InsideOut Shop
- ^ Progressive Rock Music Ultimate Discography ... with Free MP3, Videos and Reviews
- ^ [2]