Review | Presto Ballet – Dreamentia

Rat Pak Records

Insiders have been aware for some two decades now that Metal Church main man Kurdt Vanderhoof has a love for old fashioned prog rock. Since 2005 he has this band called Presto Ballet. That is not the priority for Kurdt, that is and always will be Metal Church. Fact is though that he takes Presto Ballet very serious as well. This outfit gives him the chance to be more outrageous and adventurous.

RETURN OF THE ORIGINAL SINGER

On the first two records the vocals were in the trusted hands of Scott Albright. After he left Ronny Munroe took his place and later Chuck Campbell became the steady vocalist for the band that released just six products in their career, the album ‘The Days Between’ being the latest one late 2018. Close to seven years have passed since then. ‘Dreamentia’ marks the return of the original singer Scott Albright.

As for the rest Vanderhoof uses the same musicians as he did on the last Presto Ballet release. Of those musicians, keyboardist Kerry Shacklett plays a very important role. With his piano, organ and Moog he is the guy that gives the music of Presto Ballet this old-fashioned prog rock seventies sound that we know from bands likes Kansas, Rush, Yes, King Crimson etcetera. Yet, mind you it is not that ‘Dreamentia’ sounds just ‘old’. There are enough modern elements there. In fact, as has been the case on the last album, Presto Ballet creates a nice balance between ‘old’ and ‘new’.

CONCEPT

In 2012 on the album ‘Relic Of The Modern World’ Kurdt Vanderhoof introduced the fictional figure of Andy Rottman. On ‘Dreamentia’ he brings him back. Andy is a regular guy who gets tired of modern technology. He gets rid of any modern-day communication tools like a phone or internet and in fact he disappears completely. This album explores what happens to him on his journey. It is according to Vanderhoof the first time that Presto Ballet presents a true concept album.

PRESTO BALLET – THE CONCLUSION

In the very beginning the band presented some very long songs, way over 15 to 20 minutes. That was not the case on ‘The Days Between’ but Presto Ballet picks up that habit again with ,,Quiet Prayers Of War’’ clocking over 18 minutes while most of the other tracks, clock between 5 and 8 minutes. There sure is a lot of music on offer here. All well-produced, the sound is as clear as the deep blue sea, there are gorgeous melodies galore and the musicianship of all involved is far above average. Obviously, Albright, Vanderhoof and Shacklett take centre stage with their individual skills. Presto Ballet is not a band that tries to impress with power and might. The key ingredient is melody. The songs are easy to follow and are hot hindered by difficult arrangements and complicated sounding elements.

With Presto Ballet you travel through a fascinating prog rock adventure. Next to ,,Quiet Prayers Of War’’ also ,,Fanatic In The Attic’’ and ,,Thinning The Veil’’ (both over 7 minutes) are tracks where the essentials of this band are being exploited and come to light. I realise that this record might not be everyone’s cup of tea but in the prog rock/classic rock genre I give you that you will have a hard time finding anything that comes close to the class of this band. Presto Ballet is a must hear experience!

Release date: 27 June 2025