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Neo-progressive rock |
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This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (November 2006) |
| Neo-progressive rock | |
| Stylistic origins | |
|---|---|
| Cultural origins |
late 1970s to early 1980s, England
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| Typical instruments | |
| Mainstream popularity | 1980s, minor popularity in the 1990s |
Neo-progressive rock (or often shortened to neo-prog, not to be confused with the significantly more modern New prog) is a sub-genre of progressive rock, developed and popular in the 1980s, although it lives on today.
Neo-progressive rock is characterized by deeply emotional content, often delivered via dramatic lyrics and a generous use of imagery and theatricality on-stage. The music is mostly the product of careful composition, relying less heavily on improvised jamming. The subgenre relies very much on clean, melodic & emotional electric guitar solos, combined with modern, lush, floating and atmospheric keyboards. The main musical influences on the neo-prog genre are Genesis, Yes, Camel, Toto and Pink Floyd 1.
Early neo-prog was marked by sophisticated lyrics and often dark themes. While the accessibility of neo-prog by the mainstream is debatable, the form did generally seem more radio-friendly, with shorter tracks, than earlier progressive rock. Nonetheless, neo-prog never achieved the heights of popular success that bands like Pink Floyd did.
The early notable neo-prog albums included Script for a Jester's Tear (1983) by Marillion, The Wake (1985) by IQ, and The Sentinel (1984) by Pallas.
Marillion is almost certainly the most popular neo-prog band, peaking in popularity with their albums Misplaced Childhood (1985) and Clutching at Straws (1987). Following this peak, neo-prog declined as a mainstream genre, although these three pioneering bands are still active as of 2004[update], and several newer groups have worked in the same space in the 1990s and 2000s.
By some fans of progressive rock, neo-prog is criticised for lacking originality compared to other progressive rock - even by such artists as Robert John Godfrey of The Enid 2, whose own band has sometimes been promoted by neo-prog fans.
Despite criticisms, neo-prog still draws a significant fan base and albums are consistently released. One of the biggest labels for neo prog is InsideOut Music 3. According to the Progressive Archives website 4, the most popular neo prog artists are Marillion, IQ, Arena and Pendragon. News about neo progressive rock bands is given regularly on The Dutch Progressive Rock website 5.
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