The 80s were an intriguing time for progressive rock music. Many of the genre’s veterans didn’t survive the punk and disco apocalypse of the late 70s. Those who did adapted their sound to accommodate the changing musical landscape. The result was bands like Genesis and Yes, onetime pop culture pariahs, storming to the top of the charts, dominating both MTV and the airwaves. Alongside these drastic reinventions was the advent of the prog rock supergroup: Asia, GTR, 3, and so forth. And then there were newcomers like Saga and Marillion, who achieved modest success stateside.
In hindsight, it was a moment in time; A moment in time recaptured by Six by Six. Comprised of 3 singer/bassist Robert Berry, Saga guitarist Ian Crichton, and Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler, Six by Six takes us back in time roughly 35 to 40 years ago when prog went pop. The critics hated it, but the critics hated progressive rock to begin with, so who were they to be the arbiters of taste? Chances are if you didn’t get it then, you certainly aren’t going to get it now. Those of us who do however will be pleasantly surprised by the musical content of Six by Six’s self titled debut album.
Broadly speaking, Six by Six is a collection of progressive rock songs that are both melodic and approachable. Sure there are some hard rocking riffs and jazzy outbursts (Doesn’t the latter happen to the best of us?) but by and large, Six by Six makes prog for just about everyone. Cuts like “Yearning to Fly”, “Skyfall”, and “The Upside of Down” embody everything 80s rock music was all about: Big choruses, big hooks, big production. The approach is “more is more” and “the bigger the better”! On “The Upside of Down” in particular, the ripping guitar work and layered vocals made the hair on my arms stand up. How’s that for a visual?!
For those who prefer their prog on the intricate and heady side of things, there’s no shortage of that either. “Reason to Feel Calm Again” lives up to its name in all its spacey, atmospheric prog glory. The jagged edge of “China” emboldens its lyrical content, while “Casino” showcases the unit’s penchant for jazz centric jam sessions. Rounding it all out is the heavy and groovy “Save the Night”. The band must’ve had a blast recording this one, especially Crichton with his onslaught of riffs that alternate between a punch and a chug. Whereas most albums the drummer locks in with the bassist, Six by Six sees Crichton and Glocker playing off each other, creating a unique sensation throughout. Meanwhile, Berry’s AOR sensibilities add a distinct flavor to the band’s delivery.
Six by Six is an exciting prog-rock time capsule that makes me feel nostalgic for an era I didn’t even live through. I’m aware of how pompous that sounds, but if there ever was a review for me to resort to such hyperbole, this would be it. Who knows when the next arena-prog album will make its way to my inbox? I sure wish I did. Then I wouldn’t have to sift through 2 tons of amateur black metal garbage in hopes of some Asia worship!
7 out of 10
Label: InsideOut Music
Genre: Progressive Rock
For fans of: Asia, GTR, 3