Sound of Contact: The Progressive Rock Prodigy

Sound of Contact was a British-American progressive rock band formed in 2009, best known for its ambitious concept albums and intricate musicianship. The group's debut album, 'Dimensionaut', achieved notable chart success in the UK and was celebrated as a significant modern entry in the prog rock genre.

Early career

The band's core was the partnership between British drummer and vocalist Simon Collins, son of Genesis legend Phil Collins, and American guitarist and keyboardist Dave Kerzner. Formed in 2009, the duo began crafting a sprawling sci-fi narrative that would become their debut album. They were soon joined by bassist Matt Dorsey and guitarist Kelly Nordstrom to complete the lineup for recording and performance.

Breakthrough

Sound of Contact's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of their first and only studio album, 'Dimensionaut'. Released on the band's own independent label, the concept record entered the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart at number 12. This critical and commercial reception marked them as one of the most promising new acts in progressive rock that year.

Key tracks

Not Coming Down — This dynamic single served as the powerful introduction to the band's sound and the 'Dimensionaut' storyline.

Pale Blue Dot — A sprawling, atmospheric epic that showcases the band's compositional depth and thematic ambition.

Cosmic Distance Ladder — This track exemplifies the group's skill at blending complex instrumentation with accessible melodic hooks.

Möbius Slip — A fan favorite that highlights the intricate rhythmic interplay between Collins and the band.

Following 'Dimensionaut', Sound of Contact embarked on tours and began work on a follow-up album. However, internal creative differences led to the band's dissolution around 2014, before a second album could be completed. Simon Collins and Dave Kerzner both continued their musical careers with separate solo and collaborative projects in the progressive rock sphere.

Fans of Sound of Contact often appreciate the work of similar progressive and art rock acts. The melodic complexity can be found in Spock's Beard, a band known for its rich harmonies and conceptual albums. The modern rock edge shares common ground with Porcupine Tree, which masterfully blends prog with alternative influences. The ambitious storytelling recalls Coheed and Cambria, another group built around a continuous sci-fi narrative. The legacy of classic prog is also evident, akin to the works of Genesis in its conceptual scope and dynamic arrangements.

The music of Sound of Contact maintains a steady presence on dedicated progressive rock and classic rock FM stations, as well as on specialized online rock radio streams that champion intricate and album-oriented music. Independent music radio stations with a focus on modern rock artistry frequently include 'Dimensionaut' tracks in their rotations, recognizing the album's lasting impact.

Listeners can explore the progressive rock sound of Sound of Contact through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to discover stations that regularly play 'Dimensionaut' and other defining works from the genre.