Prog Radio | Album Review | ''On the Highwire'' by TumbleTown

Album Review

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4.5

Stars

On the Highwire

TumbleTown

531

Netherlands

"On the Highwire" by TumbleTown marks the latest chapter in the collaboration of Han Uil, Aldo Adema, and Erik Laan, a trio deeply rooted in the progressive rock scene through their involvement in bands such as Seven Day Hunt, Egdon Heath, and Silhouette. This album, their third collective effort, is a cohesive blend of the members' rich musical backgrounds, offering a sound that merges the complex structures of progressive rock with more accessible, melodic elements. Released on February 1, 2024, it continues the band's trajectory of crafting music that appeals to a broad spectrum of prog rock enthusiasts.

Musically, the album features ten tracks that showcase TumbleTown's ability to navigate through intricate compositions while maintaining a clear melodic focus. The presence of Erik Laan as a full-time member adds depth to the album's keyboard arrangements, enhancing the overall texture and dynamism of the sound. The band draws inspiration from a wide array of artists, ranging from the progressive rock giants like Marillion and Jethro Tull to more contemporary figures such as Steven Wilson, ensuring a sound that is both classic and current.

The album further's the band's place within the modern prog landscape, demonstrating their commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to the genre's foundational elements.

The lyrical content of "On the Highwire" spans a diverse set of themes, sometimes venturing into brave territory others would leave untouched, reflecting the band's interest in exploring various facets of life and human emotion within their compositions. Good for them! This thematic variety complements the musical complexity, offering listeners an engaging auditory experience that is both intellectually and emotionally stimulating. The production quality, overseen by Aldo Adema, ensures that the intricacies of the music are presented with clarity, allowing the detailed arrangements and nuanced performances to shine through.

Overall, "On the Highwire" represents a continuation of TumbleTown's exploration of the progressive rock genre, melding technical skill with melodic accessibility. The album further's the band's place within the modern prog landscape, demonstrating their commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to the genre's foundational elements. It serves as a testament to the combined experience and creativity of its members, offering a mature and polished listening experience that reflects their collective musical journey.

This is a strong album! “On the Highwire” puts forth some exceptional crossover prog, ideal for our listeners at Prog Radio. We’re thrilled to be featuring several of the tracks from the album in our New Music rotation. (I'm sure you'll be hearing tracks from this exceptional album in our 'What's New Proggy Cats?' program on Monday at Noon ET and Tuesday at 6 PM ET.)

4.5 Stars