Prog connoisseurs will still remember "II" (2015), the celebrated second album of the Los Angeles-based band PERFECT BEINGS. The group, formed in 2012 after the end of Moth Vellum by Johannes Luley (guitar, bass, production), also consists of Ryan Hurtgen (vocals, piano), keyboarder Jesse Nason and the recently joined drummer Sean Reinert, who wrote both metal and prog history, playing with acts such as Death, Gordian Knot and of course Cynic. At its core, "Vier" is an album based on classical influences such as Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Soft Machine, but tonally and visually anything but "retro". Those who equate progressive music with ingenuity, playful class, courage and surprises will be thrilled by this impressive, over 70-minute journey through prog, art rock, new age, pop and jazz.