Following on the heels of his successful prog rock concept album Audiocracy: Revolution’s Son (2009), TOBIN MUELLER began working on a follow-up opus: Wonder (2019). The resulting 2-CD tour release continued Mueller’s mastery of layered vocals, innovative guitar work, stacked keyboards and poetic lyrics. This new 3-volume release, which includes many of remastered hits from the previous albums, the father-son team of Tobin and Anton Mueller combine their best songwriting, expanding their Prog Rock sound into Progressive Americana.
The music exemplifies both definitions of “Wonder”: 1)A feeling of astonishment mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar or inexplicable; 2)or, a feeling of bewilderment sparking curiosity. Tobin’s son, Anton, was the lead singer in Mueller’s prog band Audiocracy. Since then, Anton blossomed into a compelling songwriter, himself. As the collection continues, it showcases more and more of Anton’s new work. The three volumes are organized by Three Stages of Life. Vol. 1’s theme: “A Young Man’s music: touching on themes of revolution, love, hope, defining one’s self. Many prog-rock albums celebrate epic myths and conceptual narratives. Wonder Reborn follows in that tradition.
It is expansive, experimental, enthusiastic and uplifting. The scope of this collection is invigorating, a testament to the best aspects of bewilderment and efflorescence. But, unlike most prog endeavors, this one goes through older school eras of blues, folk and lullabies, ending with a sense of Americana, hard won through life’s trials. Wonder Reborn is produced by Kenny Cash, Factory Underground Studios. Cash produced Mueller’s previous albums Prestidigitation, Fragments, Blue Side, Standard Deviations, Come In Funky, and The Muller’s Wheel. “Fusing the power of progressive rock with the nurturing affection of lullabies, this is an epic 31 track 3-volume tour de force. A breathtaking array of music.” – Industry Top 100
