The duo's music delivers a palpable sense of passion and precision. Erikson, handling most of the instrumentation, showcases his broad musical capabilities, particularly on tracks like "Stirring Up The Ghosts" which presents some of the album’s most pronounced prog influences. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Jonas Reingold on the ballad "Making Her Smile" highlights a subtle yet impactful approach to arrangement that enhances the emotional depth of the lyrics.

Lyrically, the album stands out for its poignant and reflective content, largely penned by Lundquist. Songs like "Nobody Else, No," a duet featuring Aida Jabbari, add a diverse layer to the album's sound, marrying Erikson's musical compositions with lyrics that are both introspective and relatable. The influence of artists like Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, and of course, Kevin Gilbert is evident, not just in the sonic elements, but also in the emotive delivery and lyrical narratives.

Overall, Last Plane Out's eponymous debut makes a compelling entry into the scene. It’s a work that demonstrates considerable musicality and thoughtful production choices, all while staying true to its prog roots yet accessible enough to appeal to a wider audience. This album strikes a chord that resonates well beyond its runtime, suggesting a promising future for the duo. As they plan for live performances and further musical explorations, Last Plane Out is certainly a name to watch.

We’re happy to be playing the three singles now on Prog Radio, with more to follow on the April 26th release date. You can also hear the songs featured in next week’s “What’s New Proggy Cats?” show.

4.5 Stars