Progressive Reviews
5 Progressive records in the Certified Archive. Every one of them earned five rainbow thumbs-up, because we only publish reviews of records we think are great — so treat this page as a listening list rather than a ranking. Newest first.
Nate Mercereau's 'Fantastic Thoughts' Is a Blazing Masterpiece of One-Man Maximalism
Ten tracks on Leaving Records from the guitarist André 3000 called 'a magician' on New Blue Sun. He plays every instrument here — guitars, flutes, drums, electronics, synths — and The Quietus calls it 'a vibrant shredder's paradise.'
Punch Brothers Go Fully Instrumental and It's a Breathless, Bach-Fueled Triumph
The bluegrass supergroup's seventh album is their first all-instrumental record — no drummer, just mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo, and new member Brittany Haas on fiddle, chasing Bach's moto perpetuo technique at breakneck speed. TheArtsDesk gave it five stars and called it 'breathless.'
Elder Blast Off Into the Void with Through Zero
Long-form riff odysseys built on a cosmic scale. Elder stack progressive rock, heavy psych, and stoner heft into towering movements that reward every minute you give them.
My New Band Believe's Debut Is Theatrical Folk Magic
Cameron Picton goes full theatrical visionary on this chamber-folk stunner. Precise vocals, avant-folk arrangements, and a fearless look at fame's dark side. It believes in itself, and so do we.
Cryptic Shift Bend the Cosmos on 'Overspace & Supertime'
Technical death-thrash spliced with avant-garde detours and jazz fusion flourishes, all pointed straight at deep space. One of the year's highest-rated metal records, and it earns it.