Pagasys - "Now You're Here" Review

Artist/ Band: Pagasys
Title: Now You're Here
Label: Self release
Year of Release: 2007
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Pagasys is a band out of the Pacific Northwest that combines classic and progressive rock sounds of the 1970’s. In 2007, they released a concept album called ‘Now You’re Here. Like most concept albums, I’m unsure of the ’story but that doesn’t detour me from enjoying the music. The band consists of Lowell Ausmus (Drums, Percussion, harmony vocals), Robert Benson (keyboards, backing vocals), Chase Collum (Lead Vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar, piano), Jian Lakerson (Lead guitar, bass, harmony vocals) and Dan Miller (Bass, guitar, harmony vocals).

The music reminds me of equal parts Pink Floyd, Brainstorm (Australian space rock band reviewed on ProgNaut.com) and even the Doors to name a few. Pagasys seems to use all those influences and create their own unique entry in the progress rock genre. In many ways, they sound like they could have existed in the 1970’s circa 1973 when rock music was at it’s peak of creativity. Be prepared to a journey back in time.

While I enjoy concept albums, it makes it difficult to single out a song or songs but I will say the following stands out to me as highlights “How Can You Sleep”, “Time Heals All Things” and “We Love Our Dead”. The rest of the album is good and flows rather well, especially o headphones. Just like classic concept albums of the past, ‘Now You’re Here’ takes you on a trip of both musical and lyrical wonders. If you’re a fan of 70’s rock, classic and progressive, you’ll need to check out ‘Now You’re Here’ by Pagasys A.S.A.P.!!!

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on December 21st, 2007

Tracks:

1. From Whence We Came (Intro)

2. Welcome To Earth

3. Insomnia

4. How Can You Sleep

5. Mother Mary

6. Duende

7. Cry Your Heart Out

8. Dark Elegance

9. Without A Song

10. Dirty Birds

11. Time Heals All Things

12. From Whence We Cane (Mezzo)

13. Starlight Pathways

14. Lady In The Grass

15. Light Without Dark

16. We Love Our Dead

17. Starlight reprise

18. From Whence We Cane (Finale)