Detailed Reviews [Yogi Lang - 2019 - "A Way out of Here"]

Prolusion. German composer and musician Yogi Lang is best known for his tenure in veteran progressive rock band RPWL, a band that has been active for a bit more than a quarter of a century at this point. Lang first appeared as a solo artist back in 2010 with the album "No Decoder". Almost a decade later his second solo production "A Way out of Here" appeared, a production that was released on RPWL's own label Gentle Art of Music.

Analysis. The main point of recording a solo album, at least for a member of a well established band, will usually be to use the solo albums to explore material that for some reason or other just doesn't quite fit with the music of the band or bands you are a member of. To my ears at least that is what Lang does on this most recent solo album too, although the differences between what he does here and the kind of music RPWL explores can be on the subtle side of matters on occasion. We do get songs here that incorporate some key aspects of the atmospheric laden progressive rock RPWL is best known for exploring, that is a fact, but on this solo album these tendencies tend to be paired off with elements that are more out of place for Lang's main band. Songs with more of a radio friendly pop or rock vibe, a bit of funk, the use of harmony backing vocals with a more soul-oriented touch. Many of the songs here also have more of a ballad-oriented expression, with both singer/songwriter traditions and folk music elements touched upon here and there, alongside Americana undercurrents. One dimension that also strikes me as more upfront on this album are tendencies to include sections with a sound closer to Gilmour era Pink Floyd in sound and mood, and while RPWL are often compared with that era of Pink Floyd my impression is that the Floydian elements present here are a bit more purebred in approach, sound and execution. As usual with music that involves members of RPWL, the mix and production is impeccable on this album. The material itself is a bit more of a hit and miss affair, but always pleasantly engaging and on occasion also making a bit of a greater impact.

Conclusion. Having a certain affection for neo-progressive rock and a taste for Gilmour-era Pink Floyd will be a bit of an advantage when getting to know this album, and even more so an interest in songs with a bit more of a pop music inclination as well as an appreciation of compositions with a bit of a ballad orientation. It is within this loosely described quadrant that the greater parts of this album does exist, and those that find albums exploring music within such a wide framework to be generally fascinating will find a lot to enjoy on this production.

Progmessor: January 2023
The Rating Room