This Winter Machine - 2023 - The Clockwork Man [mini-review]

(50:47; This Winter Machine)



















UK band This Winter Machine are out with the album "The Clockwork Man", and progressive rock is the style explored on this production. This production is a very good example of what the neo-progressive rock tradition is all about. The production values are high for starters, and the compositions all revolve around atmospheric laden components of different kinds and shades. Light, elegant and playful arrangements and instrument details coexist quite nicely indeed with flowing and floating sound tapestries with a light and ethereal vibe just as much as those with multiple layers and majestic impression and execution, and when needed we get a tighter and harder guitar presence to add depth and a harder spine to the proceedings. But also when the guitar has more of a toned down and gentle presence the arrangements come across as tight and balanced, with nerve and tension created and maintained with relative ease. The clear, melodic and very well controlled vocals adds a gentle emotional and strikingly appealing presence on top, a lead vocal style that fits the musical landscapes very well indeed and that is executed to perfection. If you tend to enjoy bands that explore the neo-progressive tradition of progressive rock this album is a first class example of that and one that is easy to recommend.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
https://thiswintermachine.net/

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