Detailed Reviews [Overhead - 2023 - "Telepathic Minds"]

Prolusion. Finnish band Overhead have a history that goes back to the end of the 1990's, and they have gradually developed as a band unit over the next two decades and a bit, releasing six studio albums and four live albums along the way. The most recent of their studio albums appeared now in the spring of 2023 in the shape of the self-released double album "Telepathic Minds".

Analysis. Overhead is one more band to add to the list of artists that explore the genre of progressive rock in a compelling and rather broadly appealing manner. The material we get on this production is accessible and atmospheric laden, focusing on and revolving around moods and melodies first and foremost, with a high quality mix and production giving a nice emphasis to those aspects. This doesn't mean that there's no variety at hand however, as there are numerous small side steps and left turns on this production. For my sake one small detail left me a bit frustrated actually, as the band appear to include what sounds like subtle but planned call outs to quite a few artists and songs along the way here, with numerous small details appearing here and there that I just couldn't place but where I know there probably is a reference to something specific calling out for recognition. This aspect of the album is a charming one of course, and one I both like and appreciate, but it was frustrating not being able to catch them all, so to speak. But outside of that tiny detail there are plenty of additional details to enjoy too. Overhead flirts a bit with symphonic progressive rock along the way for starters, and appear to include a few Genesis references on occasion as a part of that, and the use of the flute throughout this double album obviously comes with some ready made references I probably shouldn't have to name. Exotic tones and timbres add a little bit of a Led Zeppelin feel at times, and quite a few songs feature elements that carry certain similarities to bands such as Eloy and Pink Floyd. Overhead never sound quite like them however, but instead they explore landscapes of a similar nature, and there's a few trace similarities with a band like Ozric Tentacles and Porcupine Tree to uncover here too. The main parts of this album are more atmospheric laden however, and with a couple of other references. Some of them are fleshed out and flowing creations that carry similarities with the type of landscapes German band RPWL explored a few years back, but with a bit lesser use of striking keyboard details and a bit more input from the guitar at times. We also get landscapes a bit more light and elegant in tone and motion, as well as parts with more of a harder edged arrangement taking hold of the songs, and in both of those instances I would use German band Sylvan and their output from some years back as a point of reference. It is a good blend between gentle guitar and keyboard driven passages, some more distinctly guitar dominated parts and more majestic and flowing guitar and keyboard combinations, with plenty of small details added to the landscapes explored, of which some have been detailed. Otherwise the vocals are impeccable, the instrument solo runs and surges come across as accomplished and well developed, and as mentioned the mix and production doesn't leave anything to be desired either. A well accomplished production on all levels.

Conclusion. Those who tend to enjoy the more atmospheric laden varieties of progressive rock will have a good time with this album. While the album experience as a whole is a diverse one, incorporating a small multitude of different elements, the main focus is on a more atmospheric laden variety of the progressive rock style and Overhead explores these waters with an accomplished ease, while using additional elements to add variation and expand the boundaries when appropriate and needed. A high quality production, and one I can easily see being mentioned in a few best of 2023 album lists at the end of the year.

Progmessor: April 2023
The Rating Room