Proglodytes Playlist is a curated list of songs that I’ll add to each week. Most of them will feature new(er) bands, because the most important mission at Proglodytes is to share currently active, progressive leaning groups with the world, but occasionally I will include older songs as a tribute or a commemoration of an anniversary.
On this week’s Proglodytes Playlist:
Avandra: “Beyond the Threshold Part 1: (Helios Awakens)”
I’ve been a fan of Avandra’s music for several years now, since I first heard Tymora in 2017- as a matter of fact, if you’ve listened to the Proglodytes Podcast, the outro music is “Threshold of Evolution” from that same album. Well, Avandra’s recently debuted a video for their last album Descender, and it’s a terrific showcase of what makes them a formidable modern progressive metal act. Odd times, major riffage, quick scale runs, and technical rhythms all compliment Christian Ayala Cruz’s soulful voice.
Igorrr: “Downgrade Desert”
I’ve posted Igorrr before, and probably prattled on a bit about how they are one of the most unique bands that is currently recording music. Well, with their new record, they play around with a lot of unique rhythms and scales, and the result is as beautiful and insane as anything else they’ve released. I remember about 20 years ago, I heard “Ars Moriendi” by Mr. Bungle from their legendary album California. This song is definitely a spiritual successor. I particularly loved Laure Le Prunenec’s voice in the midsection.
Major Parkinson: “Solitary Home” (The Hollywood Tapes) ft. Los Alamitos Sound FX
Major Parkinson has become one of my favorite Proglodytes discoveries. I’ve been hooked since I first heard “Madeline Crumbles” a few years ago, and I unequivocally nominated Blackbox as one of my album’s of the year. This video features the Los Alamitos Sound FX show choir, performing selections from Songs from a Solitary Home, one of their earlier albums. They do justice to the bombastic (yet eerie) source material, and strangely enough, while I wouldn’t have dreamed up the idea of seeing a show choir do a Major Parkinson song, this video shows that it was a match made in heaven. Seeing these young folks dance and sing this quirky music was a joy.
Moon Tooth: “Musketeers”
I first heard Moon Tooth in Columbus- they were doing a show with The Tea Club and Thank You Scientist. It was absolutely insane- I will never forget seeing lead singer John Carbone leaping wildly off the stage, grabbing onto some metal fixtures on the ceiling, climbing his way to the middle of the room, and jumping down into the middle of the floor…to recite what sounded like spoken word poetry.
Since then, they’ve released a highly acclaimed album called CRUX. “Musketeers” was one of the singles from this album, and it’s a passionate and energetic song that acts as a rally cry in these ridiculous times. “Never hide behind the way I was born/One for all and all for one”. The song was written about solidarity, and standing up for those who are discriminated for their race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other thing that could make them feel “other”. I love the punk energy and Carbone’s soulful, yet powerful vocals. (also, it does have some language, so if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing, consider yourself warned)
Proglodytes 