A few weeks ago I received an unexpected note from an editor at the newly relaunched UK magazine Prog - perhaps the best known and respected print journal of progressive rock. My new album Super Brain was getting a review!

“Ben Sommer’s complex art-rock makes an instant impression, effortlessly flitting between classic View all photos

Last year’s review of america’d over at SeaOfTranquility,com didn’t go over very well. In fact it was the first – and most vociferous – bad review of my young recording career.

This year’s review – and this album – is different. Maybe its that the site proprietor Pete Pardo did the honors View all photos

Aaron over at ProgSnobs.com delivers the latest critical take on my new album Super Brain:

Ben Sommer’s new self-produced album Super Brainfeatures a more polished release than america’d, but offers much of the same DIY sentiment and angst towards politics and consumerism. The album lacks a central focus, but I see this View all photos

Who doesn’t appreciate John Adams? He was a cranky SOB, an evil federalist when it counted (he signed the Alien & Sedition Act – 18th century’s PATRIOT Act), but he mellowed in later life and saw more eye to eye with the Libertarian Tom Jefferson. Anyway, my fried at FreeWhitewater.com who’s View all photos

The next review of Super Brain is in from Darren Bibby at Beardrock.com. Quite pleased with Darren’s assessment

Kevin over at Mr. Atavist has posted his usual insightful review of my work. I think its ok to say that without conceit, since he “shows us the math” for his conclusions that the album is pretty darn decent! Glad to have him as a supporter.

Here’s the full review:

Agit-popster…er, progster…Ben Sommer View all photos

Tobias Fischer runs a great webzine about progressive, experimental and contemporary classical music called Tokafi.com. I answered his typical “10 questions” from my perspective – and am quite honored to be his last interview published in this format!

Many thanks to Craig Wettner over at quirky and profane Blogs N’ Roses for a generous yet constructively critical review of america’d. He’s got a way with the pen (keyboard), a really rancid potty mouth, and a knowledge of obscure metal songs. He likens Little Hitlers to Iron Maiden’s The Trooper View all photos

Thanks to Aaron Weiss over at ProgSnobs.com (as well as Cinemafunk & Film Junk) for a nice review of america’d – this time with constructive criticism!

There is no subtly to Ben Sommer’s self-released america’d and the first song “Adult Children” sums up much of Sommer’s ideals. Although rather shrewdly mixed and View all photos