{"id":1057,"date":"2016-01-12T14:13:09","date_gmt":"2016-01-12T14:13:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.progradar.org\/?p=1057"},"modified":"2026-08-21T15:48:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T14:48:15","slug":"progradars-new-year-wallet-emptier-12th-january-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progradar.co.uk\/index.php\/2016\/01\/12\/progradars-new-year-wallet-emptier-12th-january-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"Progradar’s New Year Wallet Emptier – 12th January 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

Happy New Year my friends, after the bumper musical cornucopia of 2015, it is quite difficult to see how 2016 could top it but, you never know!<\/p>\n

To get this year started with a bang, here’s a super-duper edition of Wallet Emptier featuring some great albums from last year that didn’t get to feature due to being released at the end of the year and some belters that are kicking off 2016 in fine fashion. Buckle up, it’s going to be an exciting ride…….<\/p>\n

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M!NDGAMES – Paradox of Choice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Belgian proggers M!NDGAMES <\/strong>returned in 2015 with this new release, which was my first exposure to their classy brand of Neo-Prog. Bombastic bursts of symphonic tinged rock combine with delicate moments of reflection and sadness to give a feel of early Marillion, all underscored by swooping keyboards. An album that definitely gets better as it it progresses and one that is worthy of your attention.<\/p>\n

Released 1st November 2015<\/p>\n

Stand out track ?- The Whistle Blower<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buy Paradox of Choice from CD Baby<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to The Whistle Blower on Soundcloud<\/a><\/p>\n

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Jack Arthurs – Treasure House<\/strong><\/p>\n

With Treasure House, Jack draws from a deep well of poignant and reflective experiences to deliver a delightful collection of acoustic tracks that come straight from his heart and are like a breath of fresh air. He is tremendously excited to bring these stripped back, uplifting songs to life. Just one man and his guitar, Jack has written ten insightful and moving tracks that, together with his haunting vocals, lead you on a captivating musical journey into the depths of his soul.<\/div>\n
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Released 5th February 2016 through Bad Elephant Music<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Stand out track – North Star<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Pre-order Treasure House and listen to two tracks at bandcamp<\/a><\/div>\n
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Profuna Ocean – In Vacuum<\/strong><\/p>\n

I opened my email inbox this morning to find two new promotional releases, the first was for Profuna Ocean<\/strong>, a Dutch band I profess to having passed under my radar. Always open to new experiences I launched into ‘In Vacuum’ to be utterly stunned by what I was hearing. A more hard-edged, aggressive prog with intelligent lyrics, excellent vocals and excellent production. At 62 minutes long it never outstays its welcome and I found myself immediately pressing repeat play to be absorbed in its stylish aura once again, just WOW!<\/p>\n

Released 8th January 2016 through Freia Music<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stand out track – Thousand Yard Stare<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buy In Vacuum through Freia Music<\/a><\/p>\n

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N.y.X – The News<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the first note it was apparent that there is nothing quite like the highly original sound of N.y.X.<\/strong>They are<\/strong> at the forefront of avant-garde, experimental progressive rock, a real musical breath of fresh air. The multi-instrumental trio is joined by a number of impressive guest artists to build on the signature sound of a power trio enhanced by electronic percussions, synthesizers and effects.<\/p>\n

Released 26th February 2016<\/p>\n

Stand out track – The Daily Dark Delirium<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pre-order The News through Burning Shed<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/badelephant\/a-sarcastic-portrait-editorial-home-and-foreign-politics-chronicle<\/a><\/p>\n

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Osta Love – Isle of Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Berlin based Osta Love <\/strong>are one of the bands to watch for 2015 and their follow up the dark concepts of ‘Good Morning Dystopia’ is a complete breath of fresh air. ‘Isle of Dogs’ is full of their signature sound that unites Rock with Jazz, Pop with Baroque and adds a dose of melancholic dreamscape to form a unique sound that touches hearts and heads. Even though it was released at the end of 2015, I have only just heard this jewel and it is rapidly becoming a highlight for me.<\/p>\n

Released 27th November 2015<\/p>\n

Stand out track – Translucent Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n

Buy The Isle of Dogs direct from the band<\/a><\/p>\n