Russian proggist Egor Lappo’s latest album, Reasonable Nonsense, is a vibrant and eclectic journey through a wide array of musical landscapes, firmly rooting itself in the prog-metal genre while embracing influences from eighties pop and rock, nineties industrial, noughties pop, and twenty tens prog. This multifaceted approach makes for an album that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern, highlighting Lappo’s growth as an artist and his ability to seamlessly blend often disparate styles into a cohesive whole.

The album kicks off with Recurring Dreams,  a track that instantly transports the listener back to the heyday of eighties pop-prog. The lush, layered soundscape and melodic sensibilities are reminiscent of artists like Nik Kershaw, giving the song a timeless quality. The following track, Long Gone Years, shifts gears into a straight-up melodic hard rock anthem with a distinctive eighties flair, echoing the melodic prowess of Devin Townsend’s more accessible moments.

Break the Spell stands out with its modern edge, offering a heavier, more aggressive sound while retaining that quintessential prog touch. This track exemplifies Lappo’s ability to balance complexity and accessibility, creating a piece that is both intricate and immediately engaging. Where Nothing Exists pushes this further, with pounding drums and direct, in-your-face riffage that could easily have spiralled into chaos if not for Lappo’s controlled, clean vocals and the underlying prog flourishes.

The album takes a turn towards the more straightforward with Falling, a beautifully crafted pop-rock song that is simply delightful in its simplicity. Light Pollution brings a swirl of AOR keyboards, leading into an urgent, glossy rocker that sounds like a collaboration between Talk Talk and UK melodic rockers Tobruk. The superb lead guitar work on this track is a highlight, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already standout song.

The title track, Reasonable Nonsense, opens with a beautiful, Steve Hackett-esque guitar motif, setting the stage for a fluid, melodic interplay with keyboards. This track showcases Lappo’s exceptional ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth, creating music that resonates on multiple levels. Unenviable Inevitable introduces a darker, sparse synth rock opening that is reminiscent of Gary Numan’s early work, before blossoming into a prog rock tour de force with more fine soloing.

Shy-Hearted returns to the heavier side of Lappo’s repertoire, with riffs augmented by swirling keys, hammering drums, and an almost unhinged vocal delivery in the verses. This track brings to mind the manic energy of UK prog legends The Cardiacs, adding yet more diversity to the album. The closing track, Bloodline, offers a delicate piece of pop-rock that once again transports the listener back to the mid-eighties, evoking the sophisticated songwriting of artists like Kershaw and Tears For Fears.

Reasonable Nonsense is an album that deftly navigates the contrasts between existentialism and nihilism, triumph and doubt, personal reflection, and broader philosophical musings. Tracks like Break the Spell celebrate triumph over anxiety, while Unenviable Inevitable questions the meaning of life and the value of existence. Light Pollution delves into themes of jealousy, and Long Gone Years addresses grief, making for a deeply personal and thought-provoking listening experience.

Overall, Reasonable Nonsense is a masterfully crafted album that showcases Egor Lappo’s versatility and growth as an artist. His ability to blend diverse influences into a cohesive and engaging whole is truly impressive, making this album a must-listen for fans of prog rock and beyond. With its lush soundscapes, intricate compositions, and emotionally resonant themes, Reasonable Nonsense is a standout release that more than solidifies Lappo’s place in the modern prog rock landscape.

Reasonable Nonsense releases on August 16th.