Continuing their admirable mission of rediscovering and restoring hidden gems from the vast and often overlooked American Progressive Rock underground of the 1970s, PQR-Disques Plusqueréel proudly presents the first-ever official reissue of the self-titled album by PRE (Progressive Rock Experience). Originally recorded in 1973 by this Kentucky-based ensemble, the album stands as one of the most accomplished yet underappreciated statements of the era — a sophisticated blend of Symphonic Rock, Psychedelia, and proto-Art Rock sensibilities, now finally available in vinyl (180g, four limited-color editions) and CD digipack formats, both enriched with bonus material and a detailed insert. And just as you thought you were experienced enough in the Prog sonicsphere, here’s another gem to broaden your horizon and enrich your collection. Easily tagged as a one-off wonder, this album leaves little room for vague and pointless reductionisms. With PRE spinning firmly on your turntable (backed by 3 equally enticing bonus tracks), you embark on a journey of top-notch, ultra-tight symphonic bliss, regularly flirting with long psychedelic passages. From the opening 9-mins long “Ascetic Eros,” floating on Brian Paulson’s unique ability at transposing groovy keyboards to an etherial dimension that is further augmented by Al Collinsworth’s vocals until the 19-mins long “Ballet for a Blindman” that might have been included in a top-of-class UK/Italian prog consortium, marked by the exemplary backs and forths between Larry Collinsworth’s Hard Psychedelic guitar solos against a mesmerizing drum-beat and placid Symphonic themes, you’re in for an endless stream of richly textured segments that alternate like rapid fire. And what a treat: this edition comes in 4 different vinyl colors of 100 copies each and a 2-page insert packed with rare photos and, at last, the band’s official biography.
Purchase and Stream “Ascetic Eros/Hymn of Transfiguration” on Bandcamp:
Purchase and Stream “Firmer Hand” on Bandcamp:
Pre-orders now open:
The release is now available for pre-order via PQRDirect webstore in the following formats:
Vinyl LP (180g, numbered limited editions):
• Black Vinyl
• Trans Purple Vinyl
• Brown On White Splatter Vinyl
CD Edition
• Digipack CD + 8-page Booklet
Tracklist:
1. Path (1:33)
2. Who’s Laughing Now (3:33)
3. Water Meeting (5:28)
4. Bowing Down (3:37)
5. Ascetic Eros(11:19)
a)Ascetic Eros
b)Hymn Of Transfiguration
6. Firmer Hand (9:05)
7. Child Of Sorow (3:40)
8. Ballet For A Blind Man (19:06)
a)Fields Of Darkness
b)Is It You Who’s Caught The Blues?
c)Must Have Been Ten Years
Lineup:
Alfred Collinsworth / Vocals, 12-string Guitar
Larry Collinsworth / Electric 6- and 12-string Guitars
Brian Paulson / Hammond Organ, Electric and Acoustic Pianos, Mini-Moog
Steve DeMoss / Bass, Vibes, Glockenspiel
Dwight Dunlap / Drums, Percussion