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Some reviews of Starship Universe |
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| Published on 12/5/2008 |
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| By various |
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REVIEWS of Mike Visaggio's "Starship Universe" CD
I don’t know if it’s a coincidence but ever since Neal Morse released Testimony a few years back, I’ve noticed quite a few Christian musicians coming out of the woodwork. It’s not like in years past where an artist who had a religious message almost seemed obligated to present the music in a watered-down popish format. Some of these newer artists have been very bold and adventurous with the music while keeping their message intact. Mike Visaggio from Richmond, Virginia is one such artist. His latest CD shows that it is very possible to produce a nice contemporary prog Christian album without sacrificing musical integrity. F.Froyd, Progressiveears.com
I received my copy of Mike Visaggio’s Starship Universe. He warned me that it was Christian based music but to be honest with you it’s not the preachy kind. It almost has a storytelling atmosphere that others outside the Christian faith will be able to listen to. Mike’s style of music embodies, to me at least, the true spirit of classic progressive rock with it’s intricate instrumentation and amazing thought provoking lyrics. Ron Fuchs, Prognaut.com
If you are a fan of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Yes, Glass Hammer, Deodato…heck, if you’re a fan of Strauss, Mozart, or Handel, you are going to dig this album. This is prog rock on the reminiscent of “Brain Salad Surgery,” “Fragile,” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (fans will remember!). Hammond B-3 and Moog mesh to good effect, creating a fun and spacey atmosphere, the kind we envisioned the future to sound like back in the 80’s (who knew hiphop would take over the world?). The spiritual nature of Visaggio’s work bubbles to the surface on such cuts as “In The Nazarene Church,” “My Elder’s Son,” and “The Synchronized Life,” but Starship Universe is much more subversive than most watered down, ‘religious’ albums. The music is a celebration of the majestic variety and the cosmic expanse of creation. Mike Parker. Buddyhollywood.com
Given that prog often reaches into otherworldly terrain with its sonic textures, the combination certainly makes sense. Moreover, given the cookie-clone approach that many Christians musicians are currently taking, Visaggio's love for vintage Yes, Genesis, and Kansas is refreshingly different. Adam Harrington, Whisperinandhollerin.com
Prog rock, like Christian music, is largely misunderstood outside of their loyal fanbases. A large part of that is due to both genres’ focus on satisfying their respective audiences instead of making compromises to the masses - the “non-believers,” if you will. What’s remarkable about Starship Universe is that it can appeal to detractors of progressive rock and Christian music. Those who are turned off by the antiseptic, emotionally barren side of prog will find enjoyment in Visaggio’s David Bowie-ish vocal work and upbeat, easy to digest rhythms. The waterfall of synthesizers on “2001: Also Rocked Zarathustra,” a kick-ass makeover of Richard Strauss’ classical piece made famous by Stanley Kubrick's science-fiction classic 2001: A Space Odyssey, is a feast for the ears. Moreover, those who are bored by the tame, bland arrangements of some Christian tunes will savor the color of Visaggio’s engaging keyboard work. Michael Sutton, cdreviews.com
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