In 2024, Derek Ferguson and his band Refestramus released the album “Intourist”. Vintage prog of the pleasant kind hits you in the face. Wrinkling my nose a little and looking for a common thread, I ask myself: Prog from the USA? Is that possible? Of course it is!

The artwork on the CD I was given is colorful and reminds me of sci-fi covers and images from the 60s/70s. Vintage and I like that. I find the music to be prog rock inspired by the 70s/80s. There are only a few distinct tinkering orgies here. The common thread is not consistent, but it is there nonetheless. 

11 songs, the first 8 of which are the main work. “DMK” starts off classically progressive and then moves on to 70s hard rock. The basic theme is a dystopian end time. The protagonist DMK finds himself in the dilapidated Hollywood Bowl and, in our imagination, drives back the zombies with rock music. Inspired by the zombie film “Night of the Comet”.
“Asunción” is a tribute to the city. Other bands are “Big in Japan”, Refestramus in Paraguay.
“The Devils Return” describes the inner struggle and transformation of the protagonist, which is triggered by religion, guilt and repentance.
“Intourist” is the eponymous three-part title song, and at 11:30 it is also the longest track. Inspired by the Russian toy “Nevalyashka”, it is about the ability to keep getting up, even when you are pushed down again and again. Resistance.
Part II, “Agent M vs. The Sex Lizards,” was inspired by an evangelical television show that featured a bizarre demonic alien gargoyle. It's actually about temptation and the inner conflict surrounding it.
Part III, “Zombie Love” looks at a zombie romance that endures against the backdrop of issues surrounding immortality.
Song 5, “Mr. Darwin,” reflects risk-taking behavior and its consequences in a humorous way.
In “Side Hustle” we find intentionally gender-neutral language. It is about attraction and temptation in the workplace. Jethro Tull sends his musical regards.

Song 7, “The Red Apple”, describes rejected love and longing, based on a story by Maxim Gorky.
“Smiling” is a song that deals with our sociological masks, one person’s hidden sadness provides another person’s happiness.
“Mr. Skin” is a tribute to the unknown band Spirit. This song, as well as songs 10 and 11, are only included on CD.
Song 10 is an acoustic version of “The Red Apple” and a Spanish version of “Asunción”.

A conclusion. Is this really prog in the old sense? No. Is it a kind of neo-prog? No. But is it prog? Yes, in part. There is a concept, always getting up, conflicting emotions that slow people down. Caught between "guilt" and "atonement". Partly surreal. The music mixes all kinds of rock, but retains its vintage charm. To my ears, the music sounds bright, almost cheerful, despite the zombie apocalypse. Let's get to the point: "DMK", "The Devils Return", "Intourist Suite" are my highlights. The mix of the album is not quite my thing (musically). But it's still interesting enough to listen to the album. So thumbs up. There is nothing to complain about in terms of the quality of the production and the musicians. The CD is flawless and the design appealing, the print is clean (we know it differently).