Review of Propaganda Elite by Tragik

It only seems like last month that I was reviewing the previous Tragik album ‘Crescendo’. That was actually May last year. ‘Propaganda Elite’ carries on where ‘Crescendo’ left off with Phil Vincent playing the majority of the instruments along with Damien D’Ecole banging the bass, Dirk Phillips on drums and Vince O’Regan ripping some blinding solos.

Opener ‘Bushwacked’ is a total departure as Tragik do thrash metal! Wasn’t expecting that but Vincent obviously needed to put his point across. ‘Nothing Left But Time’ is classic Tragik with a hard rocking riff and a catchy melody before the mix of new wave and gothic rock on the intro to ‘After All’ which then heads into Foreigner territory. ‘Shot Down’ is slower and heavier but still has a wonderful melody before the southern rock/Beatles feel of ‘Outlaw (Don’t Forget My Name)’. It’s power ballad time on ‘In The Pantomime’ which is just world class and Vincent shows his range then we get the solid rocker ‘Threw It All Away’- I don’t know who plays the lead break either Vincent or O’Regan but it’s fabulous. Dark synth lines open ‘Ego Trip’ before we get some power chords over the top and they settle into a chugging riff and the synths adding colour in the background. This shit is serious and is a sad indictment of our society today perfectly explained by Vincent. Now on ‘Crescendo’ Vincent knocked out a rockin’ cover of a Bachman Tuner Overdrive tune, on this we get a storming rendition of Hoyt Axton’s ‘Joy To The World’. Sing-a-long-a Tragik. You can’t help it. Things get serious and proggy on ‘Earl Of Canterbury’ before we get heavy again with ‘Not For Me’ then final cut is some synth-pop ‘Perception Lost’.

Serious credit to Phil Vincent. His consistency is awe inspiring. Every track is a winner, and they are all very different. He can sing in various ways, play guitar like a demon and tinkle the ivories along with writing fabulous songs with huge hooks and melodies. Oh, and he produces the songs to a world class level. Just another fantastic rock album from a rare talent.

Overall rating: 90%

Written by Smudge