The Illustrated Band – The Forever Of Now (CD, 2005) Prog Rock w Paul Roraback (Grammatrain/Bloodgood)

About the Album
Lush atmospheres, infectious melodies, complex arrangements and driving anthems. The Illustrated Band combines spacey dreamscapes, progressive rock and pop, to create a unique yet highly palatable sound. Thought provoking lyrics and creativity over formula makes The Illustrated Band a true experience for the music lover. The bands' founders (Michael Blake-guitarist, singer/songwriter, and drummer-Paul Roraback) began writing songs together in their hometown of Seattle where they recorded the bands' first album under the name Gideon's Press, before relocating to Austin where the band was completed by bassist David Kline and keyboardist Nic Whitworth. Their 2005 album, 'The Forever of Now' is a diverse collection of songs, ranging from the soaring pop melodies of 'Mother's Arms', to the highly complex epic, 'Whirling Dervish', making it a 'must hear' album in 2005. For fans of 80's and 90's prog rock bands ala Marillion, ELP, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Echolyn, Genesis, Rush and more!  

CUSTOMER REVIEW
This CD is the debut from The Illustrated Band from Austin, Texas. They have a very American sound palette similar to Phish and the other jam bands, but they aren’t a jam band. Well, on one track at least they are, but the rest of the album is highly composed. Their music is littered with progressivisms, with touches of Rush, Genesis, and Yes (more so the acoustic side of the last two) here and there. There is a pop/rock element, but the same can be said of Echolyn, whose style they sometimes brush up against. There are some psychedelic flavors and, above all, well-defined melodies. It’s a very creative mix that draws the listener in and doesn’t let go.

TRACKS

1        The Forever of Now    9:47
2        Mother's Arms    4:46
3        All Of These Secrets    7:55
4        Anima Mundi    2:32
5        Paragon    6:28
6        Return To Cair Paravel    5:29
7        On My Knees    5:57
8        Anna    6:34
9        Where The River Bends    2:59
10        Whirling Dervish    10:44