PROGRESSIVE
ROCK
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. There is frequent inclusion of other musical styles such as
classical, R&B, jazz, folk, avant-garde and world music. Arrangements are
typically complex, dynamic and multi-dimensional usually featuring intricate
keyboard and guitar playing. Many of the early progressive rock bands
incorporated a Mellotron or string synth to simulate an orchestra backing.
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, which may involve some
improvisation. It is also not unusual for bands to compose lengthy, yet
structured, multi-movement compositions that center on a core musical theme.
Lyrical content may draw from science fiction, mythology, fantasy and utopian
literature.
1. 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
2. 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, Klaus Schulze, Kit Watkins, Jean-Michel Jarre
3. 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,
Allan Holdsworth, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Scott McGill
4. 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
5. Neo-Prog:
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, Iluvatar, Crucible, Collage, Nexus
6. Prog 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
7. RIO:
RIO,
or Rock-In-Opposition, 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
8. 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, Ship of Fools, Quarkspace, Korai Orom
9.
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, Flower Kings
10. 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