Why am I listening to so much Finnish music these days? I dunno. Maybe when a band titles the first song on its new album "Cast a Shadow on the Lizard's Eye" and then proceeds to riff expansively on the dance-prog side of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, I get the wink and kind of appreciate it.

Astral Bazaar Hypnosis of the 12th Degree (self-released)

Unlike most of the Finnish acts I've heard lately, the lyrics (what few there are) are in English. Most of these songs are prog jams, and uptempo ones at that. I'm not a big jam fan, and I have a feeling I'd be annoyed at an Astral Bazaar concert where these songs might be stretched out to infinity, but within the context of this album, the jams are well thought out and fit nicely within the construction of the song in question.

This is not hardcore prog. The playing is technically proficient, but the fairly mainstream vocal harmonies and almost jazz-modulated lead guitar carry the day. There's a hint of reverb in that flat guitar sound, and it's quite arresting in this setting. Once more, the general uptempo feel keeps these songs moving and rolling on to satisfying conclusions.

Nothing grandiose or overwhelming. Just a solid album with great playing and songs that set a mood and follow through. But instead of the dullness that often pervades albums like this, Astral Bazaar has found enough elements and ideas to keep this set intriguing. A wonderful sunset album . . . perhaps when it's warm enough to sit out and enjoy one properly. Until then, let this warm your ears.

Jon Worley