Orpheus Nine - Transcendental Circus

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2017
Time: 75:05
Size: 172,8 MB
Label: Self Released
Styles: Progressive Rock
Art: Front

Tracks Listing:
 1. Of Zygotes and Grace Notes -  1:17
 2. Eightfold Way -  6:46
 3. Fetish -  8:31
 4. Hand of Make-Believe -  5:32
 5. No Illusions -  4:23
 6. Age of Rhyme and Reason -  6:27
 7. Transcendental Circus I: Barcarolle of Bedlam -  5:30
 8. Transcendental Circus II: Hallowed Playground -  4:14
 9. Transcendental Circus III: Intergalactic Clown Festival -  3:00
10. Transcendental Circus IV: Swimming in Our Four O'Clock Tea -  2:51
11. Transcendental Circus V: Not Within the Memory of Elephants -  3:00
12. Transcendental Circus VI: Freak Tent Mausoleum -  2:55
13. Reaper's Carousel -  3:47
14. Sandcastles -  6:00
15. The Fall of the House of Keys - 10:44

Musicians:
Jason Kresge - keys, lead vocals;
Matt Ullestad - guitars;
Tony Renda - bass, vocals;
Mark DeGregory - drums, vocals.

This is a keyboard driven blend of old school prog and AOR.  Repeated listens to the album remind of bands that emphasize the more melodic aspects of prog but don't overlook the more technical side either.  Bands like Saga and Styx come to mind immediately as well as Glass Hammer and perhaps another NJ band Shadow Circus.  The 22 minute epic title piece sees the band stretching out quite a bit and some ELP elements surface to punch you in the gut.
Modern progressive rock with infusions of classical, jazz, metal, and electronic\
Orpheus Nine began as a solo project by Jason Kresge, whose onstage persona inspired one fan to dub him “prog’s Phantom of the Opera.” Envisioning eclectic, keyboard-driven music, Jason created pieces that served up piano, organ, and synthesizer as aggressive lead instruments. After a period of experimentation, he teamed up with drummer Daniel Nydick in 2005, and the two spent a few years further developing their style. The result: modern progressive rock with infusions of classical, jazz, metal, and electronica. By 2011, the duo had expanded to include bassist Tony Renda and guitarist Matt Ullestad. This lineup enjoyed a brief run before scheduling conflicts forced a temporary hiatus. Daniel’s departure led to the 2012 arrival of drummer Mark DeGregory. The New Jersey-based quartet emerges with a sonic treasure in Transcendental Circus. While the album’s centerpiece is its six-part, 22-minute title track, O9 has poured its soul into every song, deftly balancing technical virtuosity with emotion and melody. Early listeners to this “complex and clever” labor of love have cited elements of ELP, King Crimson, Genesis, Rush, Dream Theater, Saga, Frank Zappa, and Yes - yet any past influence quickly gives way to the fresh sound of a band focused on future possibilities.
Orpheus Nine is honored to celebrate the official release of Transcendental Circus with this special NJProghouse performance.

Transcendental Circus