The Tangent
In Darkest Dreams

The Tangent are an eclectic rock group, rather than neo-progressive, and were formed in 2003 for a project that was not supposed to have a future. Instead, they have released 9 albums in 12 years of activity (the last one in April of last year).
At first glance, it may seem like just another of the many side-projects that lately, especially in the progressive field, have become quite trendy, perhaps leveraging the fame and exposure that can come from the presence of more or less famous names. And even though the presence of the (rightly) much-celebrated Roine Stolt (Flower Kings, Transatlantic) might suggest a similar operation, it really isn't so.
Indeed, looking at the first lineup (which would change with each album), besides Stolt's name, you'll also find Andy Tillison (Parallel or 90 Degrees) and David Jackson (Van Der Graaf Generator) and the result, as you can easily imagine, is a great melting pot of diverse experiences. But it has the undeniable merit of being a passionate and genuine homage to English progressive rock in all its forms and expressions, without having that veneer of artificiality that similar works or artists, somewhat hastily praised by the public and critics (see Steven Wilson), tend to have.

"The Music That Died Alone" is their debut album, a rich and juicy record full of atmospheres and rhythms.

Four long suites, varied and eclectic, reminiscent of the cornerstones of the genre, from Yes to King Crimson to Van Der Graaf Generator themselves, obviously revisited and reworked for the occasion, thanks also to Stolt's unmistakable style.
The track I suggest to you is the complex "In Darkest Dreams" where the immense quality of the musicians involved manages to take the listener from more romantic moments ("A Sax In The Dark", "In Dark Dreams") to others more blatantly progressive and cerebral ("Night Terrors", "on Returning"), never forgetting that somewhat horror film atmosphere that permeates much of the album.

Highly recommended.