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From Shinola
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Through and Through (The Laser's Edge) Melodic symphonic prog out of Fort Worth, TX, of all places. Songwriters Kurt Rongey and Bill Pohl add their favorite elements from older bands like Happy the Man, Gentle Giant and Genesis to influences gleaned from contemporaries like Echolyn for an ambitious song cycle of uncommon but memorable melodies, widescreen arrangements and flowing rhythms. Most of the tunes are epic-length—the title track alone is over 20 minutes long—but instead of challenging the listener the band seems more interested in inviting him/her into its world. Pohl on guitars and Rongey on keyboards keep the songs captivating, with liquid solos and creamy textures that make traveling without moving sound effortless, and while the lyrics are the usual pseudo profundities, enlightenment isn't the point so much as having a trippy good time. Nice and pleasant in the best way. For fans of: Echolyn, Gentle Giant, Happy the Man, Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, the Electric Light Orchestra |