The album opens with “Zealot,” a dark, swinging epic inspired by The Pit and the Pendulum, and closes with “Another Day,” a three-part suite that balances personal reflection with instrumental prowess. In between are more compact but equally dynamic pieces like “Pick of the Litter” (a surprisingly heartfelt ode to a cat), the heavy-hitting “Chain Reaction,” and the road-weary cool of “On the Other Side.” The band’s willingness to shift moods and textures across tracks gives the album a sense of movement and purpose.

Recorded at Vancouver’s storied Hipposonic Studios and co-produced by Ben Kaplan, Camel is sonically rich and instrumentally layered. From vintage synths and clavinets to dual guitars and vibraphone, the album boasts an analog warmth that reflects the band’s reverence for the past, without sounding retro. Every instrument earns its place, especially in moments like the climactic Minimoog solo in “Another Day,” where the rhythm section shines as the guitars drop away.

Brass Camel may label themselves “prog-funk,” but Camel proves they’re not bound by genre. This is a band confident in its identity, yet unafraid to take risks—balancing technical skill with accessibility and theatricality. Camel marks a clear step forward and positions Brass Camel as one of Canada’s most inventive progressive acts today.

Catch tracks from this fun and funky prog-sterpiece now in rotation on Prog Radio. Also look for it to be featured in next Monday’s “What’s New Proggy Cats?” show.

4.5 Stars