Eyesberg - 2021 - Claustrophobia

(48:48; Progressive Promotion Records)

Track list:
1. Claustrophobia 11:01
2. Strange Boy 5:00
3. Walking in Storms 9:35
4. Salamander Tree 3:10
5. Sacrifice 6:31
6. We Want You Out! 3:43
7. Into the Asylum 6:27
8. Final Ride 3:21

Line-up:
Georg Alfter - guitars, bass
Norbert Podien - keyboards, programming
Malcolm Shuttleworth - vocals
Jimmy Keegan - drums, percussion
Emma Edingloh - backing vocals
with:
Erica Van Gilst - voice

Prolusion.
German band EYESBERG has a history that goes back to the early 1980's, but as a creative and recording unit they didn't really get going until the band reformed back in 2014. Since then they have released new material at a steady pace. In February 2021 the band was ready with their third studio album, "Claustrophobia", which was released through German label Progressive Promotion Records.

Analysis.
Eyesberg have been categorized as a neo-progressive band ever since the release of their first studio album, and while they aren't the type of band that opts to go in for an in depth excursion into a detailed, narrow niche and specific expression I still think that this description pretty much summarize what the band is all about as of 2021 as well. While they do stray a bit from the neo-progressive path, their left turns are mainly into related and expected territories, and of a kind that will be expected at that. I do find it interesting how this album plays out in terms of style actually, as I am left with the impression that there may well be a plan in how this concept album is structured.

The opening half or so of this album, which explores the part of the concept most distant also in time, pretty much plays out as progressive rock of the type a band like Genesis would explore in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Something of a vintage sound with vocals and organ in the driver seat, expressive keyboard details with the song structures twisting about a bit in a manner similar to what the classic era progressive rock bands had a tendency to do as well. Executed in a most charming and intriguing manner too, as long as this type of progressive rock is something you enjoy to listen to. References to other bands can probably be added to the association department as well, but for my sake at least Genesis was the standout and most prominent association.

In the second half of the album, covering the time period closest to our own time in the concept explored, the music takes a step to the side and kicks in with a more distinct neo-progressive oriented sound and expression. More majestic and often darker toned keyboard arrangements become more prominent, beefier and harder guitar riffs with a bit more of a hard rock touch to them are brought into play, and the overall impression is more depth, more darkness, more nerve and a stronger emphasis on drama and atmosphere. Something that obviously also ties in with the concept and story explored, which may well be the driving motivation for the change and development in approach on this album. But if the reason is one or the other isn't all that important really. The interesting bit is that this production has been separated in this manner, which by accident or plan also will give many listeners a more or less conscious experience of time developing as the album plays out - whether they concentrate on the story and concept or not.

Conclusion.
Eyesberg strikes me as an accomplished band as of 2021. With additional seasoned musicians brought in to the band to elevate some details here and there, this is the third album in a row with material that comes across as solid, and with a good quality mix and production as the icing on the cake. The end result is a production that should find a good audience among fans of neo-progressive rock, and then in particular those in that crowd that enjoy Genesis from around 1980 just as much as bands such as IQ and Pendragon.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, February 2021

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/EYESBERG.PROG
https://www.facebook.com/Progressive-Promotion-Records-106620749394991/