Glass Hammer
If

Glass Hammer is a progressive band from Chattanooga, Tennessee, that has been releasing albums with a certain regularity since 1992, with a lineup that has undergone continuous changes but always revolves around the duo of Fred Shendel (keyboards, guitars, and vocals) and Steve Babb (bass and vocals).

The album IF, the eleventh in their prolific production, is part of the trilogy from the period with Jon Davison on vocals, who shortly thereafter would migrate to Yes to replace the ailing Jon Anderson (although it's not entirely clear whether the replacement was due to Jon's health issues or the ever-present whims of the various members of Yes), and includes the aforementioned IF (2010), the following COR CORDIUM (2011), and the subsequent PERILOUS (2012).

Let's say right away that these are three absolutely “progressive-oriented” albums. If you're not a fan of the genre, as they say in these cases, stop here! And I add that even for the more seasoned listeners, it could remain a challenging, complex, and not very catchy record. Compared to their previous productions, the Tolkien themes are abandoned (see their debut with JOURNEY OF THE DUNADAN) as well as the nostalgic medieval themes of THE INCONSOLABLE SECRET, which is among their best albums. Here, gentlemen, they go hard and pure.

It's as if our heroes (Babb and Shendel) have finally found the perfect lineup to do what they like best. To be clear: nothing new under the sun, but it's as if Glass Hammer pushed themselves to where even Yes feared to tread. Not just dissonant harmonies and cross-rhythms, not just odd times, breaks, and obligatory passages. Even the song structure skips the typical verse-chorus structure with the bridge after the first two repetitions. In short, total compositional freedom, with the strictness of the most precise execution and the complete absence of unnecessary frills. No special effects, no space rock, or blues nods. Just neo-progressive played with passion and the right sounds; above all, Shemdel's Hammond and Babb's Rickenbacker. Even the fellow travelers are the right ones: Alan Shikoh’s guitars, Randall Williams' drums (but how does he play all those breaks?), and especially Jon Davison's voice, which, although in the same range as Anderson's, is much colder, precise, and suited to the compositions of Babb and Shendel.

I loved this record. I didn’t appreciate it immediately, but repeated listens in the summer of 2011, especially towards the evening during a vacation in Gargano, allowed me to delve deep into its complicated and fascinating construction. My favorite compositions are the opening of Beyond, Within for its dry and powerful "drive," Behold, The Ziddle is also very beautiful, especially the more lyrical and emotional final part, and the finale If The Sun, 24 minutes of prog as it should be.

A great album, in my opinion, suitable for the progger always hungry and never satisfied with their favorite food. For those embarking on a listen: enjoy the feast!