Prog without trying to be

[Mike413]

Sometimes it seems to me that some bands that are considered prog probably aren't trying to be prog. Some even go so far as to say they aren't but the fact is they definitely fit into that category in some shape or form. Here are a few that come to mind for me.


The Mars Volta
Ozric Tentacles
Porcupine Tree
Sigur Ros

Probably also a lot of more mainstream or indie kind of bands.

[Yesspaz]

Absolutely, and that's why these bands are the best of the new breed, because they aren't TRYING to be prog. I hate cloner bands on principle because there's no difference between them and the pop clones. Backstreet Boys gets big, then NSYNC gets bigger, then we have clones like 98 Degrees.

If there's a difference, it's because it's DIY and not label pushed, and also the musicianship and talent level. But ideologically, same idea.

I've more respect for any group of musicians who get together and write music without a "plan of what we'll sound like," - just letting it gel and meld and become what it is - than I do for a group of musicians who try to be prog or metal or whatever.

I'd add to Mike's list:

Iona
Godspeed You Black Emperor!
Turing Machine

Like 'em or loathe 'em, you can't say they're copying anyone.

[Mike413]

Well let's be clear about one thing. Whether a band is a copycat or clone band is ultimately up to the individual. Some might not consider bands such as the Flower Kings, IQ or Marillion to be clones while others would. Also if a band wears their influences on their sleeve does that make them a clone band? Personally, I prefer as much originality as possible but if a band pays homage to their influences without deliberately trying to mimic them that's ok as long as they have enough of their own sound to not be easily identified as a clone band.

[jrstudioboss]

Then again, just because they are clones, doesn't mean that it's a bad thing, just kind of limiting to the band, I've got faves on both the non-prog and clone groupings. Interessting list building there gents!

[Yesspaz]

Also if a band wears their influences on their sleeve does that make them a clone band? Personally, I prefer as much originality as possible but if a band pays homage to their influences without deliberately trying to mimic them that's ok as long as they have enough of their own sound to not be easily identified as a clone band.Yeah, that's what I'm saying. It's impossible to not be influenced. But it's when one purposefully tries to sound like another act that I lose respect for them. No matter how good Starcastle or Citizen Cain is, I here "Wanna-Be-Yes" and "Wanna-Be-Genesis."

Tangent definitely is a prog-influenced band, but they don't sound like Band X. Your list and mine (Mars Volta, Godspeed, Sigur) - these bands are truly original.

[Mike413]

Getting back to my original idea I doubt if a band like Umphrey's McGee is trying to be a prog band. THey do however acknowledge some classic prog bands as influences but they also state that they are influenced by jam bands, classic rock, hard rock and fusion. So there you have it; add Umphrey's Mcgee to the list. ;)

[NorCalKurt]

Try David Bowie, pablo picasso, from his reality album.

[Michael]

I think Gazpacho would fall in that group .

[Mike413]

I think a lot of the early prog bands, the so called proto prog bands, weren't deliberately trying to be prog because the label was barely used back then. I'm sure the members in those groups didn't say "hey man let's form a prog band. " They might have experimented and pushed the envelope because maybe the pop stuff was for teeny boppers or what not and they wanted to be as far away from that as possible. It was cool for many musicians to make music that was meant to be listened to as part of a whole album rather than just a single.

[Kazuhiro]

The music to which we are listening now is considered first.
We secondarily think about the intention, the position, and thought for the genre of music.
And, we try to take musician's idea into consideration as much as possible thirdly.

Moepheus wrote and proposed Thread on December 3 last year.
The title｢10 of the best unknown prog albums｣

I guess the material of the definition to be concealed in this thread.
It might be a little difficult to guess we are whether it should be prog rock for the genre of music.
The musician at least has the back ground.
We might hesitate if it appears in music.

However, if prog rock takes another element in my opinion
It thinks it to be OK. Is if an element progressive other genres is taken, it prog rock?

Umphrey 's Mcgee : the influence to "Police" and "Steely Dan".
In receiving, the mistake is not found. However, they have been influenced from "Pink Floyd".

Are Iron Maiden and Queensryche prog rock?

Of course, I also agree to the opinion of Mike.
Anyway, I take delight in music expanding the mind.
If I do not do it, I contribute neither "David Bowie" nor "Miles Davis" to the library.

[DamoXt7942]

Hiromi Uehara is one of great progrockers without trying to be I suggest. ;)

[Yesspaz]

The Appleseed Cast are a pure, raw emo band that instead of going radio-emo went experiemental emo and produced the magnificent Low Level Owl and some good stuff since then too. Prog without trying? I'd say so.

[SnardLivesHere]

With regard to Citizen Cain and Starcastle, It doesn't bother me at all. If you LIKE Yes, and Genesis, and another band comes along that plays similar to them, there's just more to enjoy.

[KeithieW]

With regard to Citizen Cain and Starcastle, It doesn't bother me at all. If you LIKE Yes, and Genesis, and another band comes along that plays similar to them, there's just more to enjoy.
I couldn't agree more Snard.......:)