New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Classic and Progressive Rock

Presto Ballet The Days Between Review.

Presto Ballet The Days BetweenThe late 1970s/early 1980s was a glorious time for “proper” music. Not only was the New Wave of British Heavy Metal at its height – we were also spoiled with a glorious era for prog/pomp style rock too.

Rush, Yes, Kansas, Styx, Boston and plenty more. How I miss those days. Though thanks to Presto Ballet its 1980 again!

This is Metal Church axeman Kurdt Vanderhoof’s “side project”. It’s been a while since the wonderful Relic of the Modern World.

But now Presto Ballet is back with The Days between. Another excellent slab of retro rock/prog/pomp yet with a fresh modern feel about it.

Everything fits together so well. Clean cutting chords merging in with the keys/synths, some deft, crisp drumming, a throbbing bass and soaring vocals/harmonies. A recipe which cooks up a proper retro-modern sound of pompsih progginess.

The Days Between is a more easily accessible listen that some of Presto Ballet’s previous work too. Your reviewer’s (arguably) more discernible ear detecting a change to a more traditional rockier element running through everything.

Check out the opener – Out Of Mind (It’s Outta Site). A marvellous intro piece with Kurdt’s guitar peeling away like church bells joined by the synth before the big chords start chopping away accompanied by a Yes-style drum/bass powerhouse. Superb. As are the vocals – clean, powerful, well-paced.

Brilliant retro-style with an up to date twist. What’s not to like. Have a look and listen:

The rest of the album follows a similar vein all the way to the last note.  Perhaps the stand-out in an album of such a high standard is The Man with the Plastic Face. Seven minutes of concise yet meandering arrangements which sum up what Presto Ballet is all about.

For old farts like me who are stuck in the NWOBHM/prog/pomp hey day – this is mana from heaven. For you younger types who may be reading – listen and learn. They don’t make ‘em like this any more. Two words – buy it.

>> PRESTO BALLET THE DAYS BETWEEN ON AMAZON HERE <<

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