Yes dear readers, if you came away from watching and/or listening to the above video you may be thinking, “boy, that guy looks and sounds awfully familiar”-  well it should:  Simon Collins, lead vocalist and drummer in Sound Of Contact, has the good genetics and the smooth vocal timbre of his pop, former Genesis and solo great Phil Collins.  But if you focus solely on the young Collins, you’re missing out on a formidable progressive rock band whose debut album Dimensionaut showcases some excellent musical moments that hearken back to the prog greats of the past.  Fellow bandmates Dave Kerzner, Kelly Nordstrom, and Matt Dorsey, along with Collins, have written a fantastic album filled with some well written melodic cuts featuring fantastic musicianship and beautiful soundcapes, maybe none moreso than second single “Pale Blue Dot”.

Starting off with a haunting, phased keyboard pattern that echoes throughout the song, “Pale Blue Dot” is a winner led by a warm vocal from Collins and his restrained yet pulsating drumwork that helps propel the song.  Kerzner’s keyboard work adds much to that vibe and pulse, and Nordstrom (or is it Dorsey’s?) guitar line during the chorus adds a counter to those keys by lifting the song to an even greater melodic height.  Simply a very cool and very beautiful progressive rock song- great melody, great musicianship, and great vocal.  Dad and his former band should be proud.

For those of you that dig Marillion, post Gabriel Genesis, and newer Porcupine Tree, this one is for you-  as for the rest of Dimensionaut, it is well worth your money.  Look for a new album from the band sometime in early 2017.