Various Artists - Cyclops Sampler 6

A fine introduction to bands on the Cyclops roster, which every prog fan should embrace to their heart. Kicking off with Abarax’s Journey’s End/Autumn Storm, the tone is set with a whale-call synth and multitiered vocals building into a 14- minute Floydian work. Discipline’s emphatic 13-minute Canto IV runs through the gamut of Spock’s Beard-like wah and synths, while Drama’s Celtic/world instrumental, A Revelation, leads into Flamborough Head’s live take on their Yes-lite Mantova. The Gift’s Escalation rages, as does Land’s End’s My Home, and Mostly Autumn anchor things with a sweet acoustic number. Nautilus achieve lift-off on The Dark Room, melding Djam Karet with Magellan, and Nice Beaver’s Gilmour-like approach precedes The Pineapple Thief’s 12-minute traipse through Porcupine Tree territory. Product offer an altogether more troubadour approach (albeit over 10 minutes), and Tr3nity complete the picture in prim acoustic fashion on In The Dark.