Argos, hailing from Germany, return with their new album. I first encountered the band at the Summer’s End Festival in 2014, where they opened the Saturday programme with an excellent and engaging set. That performance prompted me to buy Cruel Symmetry album, and I’ve followed their progress ever since, reviewing Unidentified Dying Objects for TPA.
This latest release immediately intrigued me, being a concept album inspired by a planned but unrealised 1976 project by Northern Irish prog band FRUUPP. The original concept and compositions have been developed by Thomas Klarmann together with fellow bandmate Robert Gozon, and the result is a respectful reinterpretation filtered through Argos’ distinctive musical identity.
The idea stems from poems by Robert Cochrane about Dr William Wilde, father of Oscar Wilde, and the album blends this historical narrative with a wide range of progressive textures. Symphonic arrangements, jazzy passages, rock-driven sections, and elegant piano led moments all find their place here. The band’s influences, Van der Graaf Generator, Gentle Giant, and the Canterbury scene among them, are evident, yet always channelled into what has become unmistakably the Argos sound.
The album radiates positivity and brightness, leaving the listener with a strong sense of enjoyment. It’s clearly a carefully crafted and thoughtfully constructed work. At forty‑seven minutes, it’s concise enough to invite immediate replay. The eight tracks range from just over three minutes to more than eight and a half. Production is handled by Thomas Klarmann, with mixing by Klarmann and Marek Arnold (assisted by Ulf Jacobs) and mastering by Arnold at B’Side‑Music Studio. Bernd Webler also deserves mention for the striking cover art.
The opener, A Doctor Strangely Strange, sets the tone with a bright, piano led arrangement that signals what’s to come. Their influences surface again on The Ether Bends, which carries a distinct Van der Graaf Generator vibe; the vocal delivery even hints at Peter Hammill, though the track remains firmly rooted in Argos’ own style.
Under the Influence introduces some cool jazz inflections, thanks to Marek Arnold’s excellent saxophone work in the middle section. Their palette broadens further on Aural Surgery, which begins with a wonderfully Steely Dan‑like groove. Though marked as an instrumental, it includes a spoken passage that fits seamlessly. The album closes with its longest piece, Moytura House, a beautifully paced finale that brings the journey to a satisfying conclusion.
Melody and pacing are strengths throughout, and the musicianship is consistently top‑tier. Each instrument has space to shine without overshadowing the others, a fine example of a band playing as a cohesive unit. It’s also worth noting the appearance of former FRUUPP member Martin Foyle, who contributes snare drum and percussion.
Argos have delivered an excellent album that will undoubtedly please existing fans while offering an accessible entry point for new listeners. Beneath its approachable surface lie deeper layers that reward repeated plays. Whether you’re familiar with the band or discovering them for the first time, this is well worth your time. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and continue to return to it.
TRACK LISTING
01. A Doctor Strangely Strange (5:11)
02. Sea’s Lament (3:07)
03. Under The Influence (4:42)
04. Aural Surgery (instrumental) (4:39)
05. The Ether Bends (4:45)
06. Sperenza (7:08)
07. A Farthing As Reward (7:50)
08. Moytura House (8:41)
Total Time – 47:07
MUSICIANS
Thomas Klarmann – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar, Flute
Robert Gozon – Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Ulf Jacobs – Drums
Bogáti-Bokor Ákos – Guitar
~ With:
Martin Foye (ex FRUUPP) – Snaredrum, Percussion
Marek Arnold – Saxophones, Winds
Alexei Tolpygo – Violin
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: Germany
Date of Release: 6th March 2026
