The Tangent
The Music That Died Alone

THE REVIEW

After the adventure with the Swedish band Flowers Kings concluded in '99, guitarist and singer Roine Stolt teamed up with some former bandmates and Andy Tillison, ex-Parallel Or 90 Degrees, to create The Tangent project, with the collaboration of a veteran like David Jackson from VDGG. The primary goal is to focus on a traditional progressive style that follows all the original patterns. Indeed, in this album from 2003, we can find everything a 70s prog enthusiast could desire, as The Tangent proves adept at mixing various styles with each other; we recognize the jazzy and melancholic prog of VDGG, the symphonic and rigorous sound of Yes, and refined hints that recall the Canterbury scene, so beloved by Tillison.

The suite "In Darkest Dream", divided into 8 sections, begins with an invasion of fiery and classically baroque sounds, very significant and symptomatic of how "The Music That Died Alone" is a nostalgic homage to the golden years of progressive rock, starting with the ironic title. The track flows redundantly and fiery until it calms into a charming and romantic melody adorned by Jackson's sax; now the sound becomes clear and fresh, Stolt's voice appears dreamy and intense, and the resulting atmosphere is soft and almost ethereal, concluding in a joyful epilogue of choirs and homogeneous and blended sounds. The second piece, "The Canterbury Sequence", aims to be an exquisitely rhythmic jazz/funk intermission, a worthy homage to Caravan and company. Initially, the winds, Zoltan Csórsz's powerful drums, and the Hammond organ dominate the scene, then a pleasant guitar with a clear and clean sound, never intrusive, takes over, well supported by Sam Baine's piano and then by synths, solemnly closing the piece, sung by Tillison.

"Up-Hill From Here" is the most unusual and, if you will, catchy moment of the album, somewhat aggressive, where Roine Stolt unleashes in acrobatic performances on guitar and vocals, making himself the absolute protagonist. With the eponymous concluding suite, divided into 4 parts, a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere arises, hints at VDGG and particularly Peter Hammill's lyrics are perceptible; the track then develops into a sort of instrumental gallop where everyone gives their best, alternating in high-level performances.

In conclusion, "The Music That Died Alone" presents itself as very pleasant and balanced, avoiding the trap of being too ambitious and excessively long like the subsequent album "A Place In The Queue". It is an honest work that doesn't claim to have revolutionary innovations and that promotes The Tangent among the most respected and genuine prog bands of the current scene: not a masterpiece but a successful and sincere act of reverence to the "music that will never die."

Andy Tillison - Organ, Synthesizer, Piano, Arranger, Vocals, Producer, Engineer
Roine Stolt - Guitar, Arranger, Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Amplifiers
Guy Manning - Arranger, Vocals, Producer, Engineer
David P. Jackson - Arranger, Saxophone
Sam Baine - Piano
Jonas Reingold - Bass, Arranger, Producer, Engineer
Zoltan Csórsz - Arranger, Cymbals, Drums