Upwards Arc

Back when Prog Magazine was but a mere puppy, it unleashed its first issue upon an unsuspecting world. As is traditional with such publications, a CD of music from up-and-coming artists from the progressive music realm was attached to the cover, and there, eight tracks in, were south coast hopefuls Diagonal. The song was Semi-Permeable Menbrain, the opening track from their self-titled debut album. “A waltz through the obscure sounds of the early 70s,” we wrote. “This is some of the best new prog we’ve heard.”

The album was greeted with glowing. The sound had changed. It was heavier, darker, and largely instrumental. The reviews glowed less brightly.