Squonk Opera
Pneumatica
Squonk Opera

Squonk Opera are an ensemble that's been around a while, and this is their first purely instrumental record. Composer Jackie Dempsey and Steve O'Hearn lead the band. They put on some impressive live shows, and this is also a strong record.

Opener "Inhale" is very progressive rock, though not a full-blown epic in length. It's got the necessary epic feel though. "Head of Steam" is a strong and well-played track. "Breathe" has a sound that recalls Yes, in a very modern way though. Squonk Opera are good at that. There's a flavor of Irish folk that fits right in too. The closing "Exhale" is a straightforward song and it closes the song cycle well. It's a great album all told.

Copyright © 2015 Anna Maria Stjärnell