This is something that I just picked up today (05.26.03). Believe it or not, I found a copy of it at Borders in Rockville MD. Chroma Key is the name for the works of multi instrumentalist/vocalist Kevin Moore. He used to play for various bands (Fates Warning, Dream Theater). This is Chroma Key's second album, entitled "You Go Now", released in 2000. I first became interested in this music from listening to his contributions to OSI (Office of Strategic Influence). Musically, it's as if Moby was actually original and creative, and sang more often, this is how he would sound. Kevin Moore's voice almost sounds like Eric Wolfson from Alan Parson's Project. They have a great little website for this and there are a few bits you can download from mp3.com. The track "Nice To Know" is great! Should be a single!

This is a good album but it's a little to crunchy for me. This is what is called progressive music (which is right up my alley) but it is a sub set of progressive music known as progressive heavy metal. I'm not too fond of racey arpeggio distortion guitars and there's a lot of that here. I picked this up initially because I saw Steve Wilson (from porcupine tree) was involved and I wanted to check out his contribution. It wasn't nearly as good as the impression that was made by keyboardist/vocalist Kevin Moore. Interesting voice and great use of stark piano sound. Almost like Harold Budd in a rock context. Minimalist but still progressive rock. Very nice mixture. The track "Hello Helicopter!" and "OSI" are very good.

Steve Wilson
No-Man
Porcupine Tree
Incredible Expanding Mindfuck (IEM)
Opeth
Bass Communion

Steve Wilson is another multi instrumentalist who is pretty much at the forefront of the rebirth of progressive rock music. He has tapped on the old 70's formula of long elaborate melodies and narrative lyrics and modernized it/pushed it to the new millenium. He's a great songwriter and singer. He's very prolific lately. He is involved in many projects, all of which are at least worth a listen if you like even one of his outings. Here's a link to his Steve Wilson HQ website. Here you can see all the bands and projects in which he is involved. There's a LOT!

The Bears
Psychodots
Adrian Belew
Rob Fetters
Chris Arduser
Bob Nyswonger

These bands and personnel are best described as King Crimson meets Frank Zappa meets The Beatles. If you like any of the above, you must hear this stuff. I'm still waiting to see "The Bears" do a live show. I have videos. The shows look like fun! I've seen one Adrian Belew live show and it was legendary!

XTC
Dukes Of The Stratosphere

These are the same bands with the same people and two different names. Very influential british pop. Once again, "if The Beatles only kept going..."