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April 2024

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February 2024

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January 2024

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Zen Rock and Roll: Undone

Melodic/Progressive Rock

3.5/5.0

Progrock Records
Website Facebook
by Craig Hartranft,  08.08.2011

The third release by Zen Rock and Roll, the pseudonym of composer and multi-instrumentalist Jonathon Saunders, Undone, finds the artist following, once more, the rich tradition of classic prog rock. In this case it's a blend of early prog with melodic rock and conventional 20th century American music. At times it reminds of Yes merged with Ambrosia, and maybe some Beatles, in a popular melodic context. But I'm just spit balling here. It's lively and entertaining music, but not necessarily experimental or avant garde as prog can sometimes can be.

So, most of Undone is light, sometimes symphonic, melodic rock, mixed with prog in a minimal sense. All in the Dark offers an interesting vocal arrangement and some odd keyboards, yet mostly unoriginal. At the First Glance is more up tempo, more progish, in its melodic rock as is Strange. The melody is definitive. Concerto for the Original Sinners, the longest and likely pivotal (?) track, is an instrumental piece of significance consequence. Both a creative work and a piece of singular self-indulgence Saunders offers melodic and symphonic prog rock in the very best sense. Perhaps, however, the centerpiece of Undone is the self-defined song Antiquated Love Song, which could equally inhabit a 1940's American musical or a 70's Queen album with Mr. Mercury offering the vocals.

To a greater extent, Undone is entertaining melodic rock with prog over tones. To a lesser extent, it's not necessarily all that moving. With exception of the aforementioned high points, I was relatively uninspired. Nevertheless, Jonathon Saunders and his Zen Rock and Roll project is worth the attention of those who love classic melodic progressive rock.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Though not entirely inspiring, Jonathon Saunders and his Zen Rock and Roll Undone project is worth the attention of those who love classic melodic progressive rock.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]