New Release By German Band Catching The Selfish - Intimate Plan

So what's on Prog Radio today?

https://www.progradio.com/

Intimate Plan by Catching The Selfish is a 6 minute song of classy modern prog. I can't find any information about this band online except for what's written on the YouTube clip. The song is provided to YouTube by DistroKid (a music distribution service which sends your song to streaming/download platforms). It says it was recorded at Bodega Recording Studio which a quick Google reveals is in Stuttgart, and the band members mostly have German names so I'm guessing this is a German band. The song was released in March 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGEC-CHUXas

I would put this in the same category of prog as Porcupine Tree, which is not to say that it sounds like them particularly, just that it captures a similar kind of vibe. This is not your grandad's prog (sorry grandad). It opens with a cool slow guitar riff which develops into the verse. The chord sequence is unquestionably prog, you'll know when you hear it.

I really like the vocal. It's full of emotion and convincing, ranging from quiet almost whispering to a full-on scream. The overall arrangement is exceptional, constantly varying yet sounding like a coherent whole. Excellent guitar-playing with NO UNNECESSARY TWIDDLING. I know I go on about this but surely we're past the point of instrumentalists needing to show off. Yes, we know how good you are, now make some good music. Unobtrusive keyboards fill out the sound.

The end of the song returns to the slow guitar riff of the opening forming a very satisfying arch structure. This is an excellent song, by a band clearly in complete control of their material, and highly recommended.

Reasons to listen:

  • You love a well-worked guitar instrumental in the middle of a song rather than a guitar solo
  • You like Porcupine Tree/Steven Wilson
Reasons not to listen:
  • You never got past the 70s, grandad
  • If it doesn't have thirty-five time signatures and at least twelve tempo changes, it ain't prog

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