Hoggwash. What can you say about the name? I have to admit that it 
immediately turned me off and they were relegated to the heap of new 
bands that I was not going to invest any time or effort into 
investigating further. Just because of the name. But I have to tell you, 
do not be put off by the name because this is some very fine, mainly 
keyboard driven prog that should appeal to a lot of neo/symphonic 
listeners here.

Thanks to Erik Neuteboom for helping me get past the name and listening 
to some samples on the Hoggwash website. I deemed it worthy of purchase 
and have a very fine album with loads of melodies. The band is the 
brainchild of Welshman Will Mackie, founder of the Caerllysi Music label.
 
From what I can tell, he wrote the music and brought in Ukrainian sensation
Antony Kalugin to be the man to get the music played. His keyboards are 
the main force but there are quite a bit of very nice guitars throughout 
and that are given the spotlight with some lovely solos. The rest of the 
band complements the proceedings professionally. The flute, oboe and 
strings are also featured. The best comparison I can make to another 
band is Satellite and this album should be a no brainer for fans of that 
Polish outfit. Even Kalugin's vocals have a bit of that Satellite sound. 

Low and husky, they are not as powerful as some others out there, but 
they certainly fit well with the music here.

As far as the Satellite comparisons, I think this album is a bit more 
adventurous. After the first listen, you may be underwhelmed but further 
spins show that there is a lot going on and there is more meat on the 
bone than you might think. The tempo varies and the sound is full, with 
the main instruments standing out and providing great melodies. Guitarist 
Roman Philonenko really shines both in backing up the bountiful keyboards 
and when given one of his many solos. They range from slow and tasteful to 
occasionally blazing. They do not overstay their welcome as there are many 
more keyboard runs to get to.

I urge anyone with an open mind to check out the samples to get a taste 
of what is on display here. This is modern prog that can appeal to the 
old school folks who like their keyboards plentiful and varied. Kalugin 
is a guy who delivers and bears watching in the coming years. I was very 
pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy this and look forward to more 
from Hoggwash. A solid four stars. Now, about that name.

By John Mattern.(johnobvious) Posted 3/3/2009
Progarchives