In a triumphant return to the music scene, Detroit-bred prog rockers Art in America have announced their second album, ‘Rise,’ set to release on September 19, courtesy of Iconoclassic Records. Fans can look forward to grabbing the album on both CD and limited edition vinyl. The first single, ‘Running By,’ already has listeners buzzing with excitement.
But that’s not all—Iconoclassic Records will also reissue Art in America’s self-titled 1983 debut. This remastered classic will boast two unreleased live bonus tracks and feature essays by Ralph Chapman, known for his work on documentaries about Rush and ZZ Top.
Art in America made waves in the early ’80s as the first band to prominently feature the concert harp in their lineup. Their debut album saw them collaborating with guitar virtuoso Steve Morse and legendary engineer and producer Eddy Offord. Despite sharing stages with the likes of U2 and King Crimson, the band never released a follow-up—until now.
‘Reuniting the original lineup of Chris Flynn, Dan Flynn, Jim Kuha, Shishonee Flynn, and the late Garry Galloway, ‘Rise’ marks their first full album since 1983. The journey to this album began in 2017 when the band revisited demos from the early ’80s, originally intended for a sophomore release.
‘We had some really good songs that were recorded well back then,’ shares bassist Jim Kuha. ‘We were playing at our peak as a band, and even though we took a long break, those tracks still resonate.’
Vocalist and guitarist Chris Flynn recalls the fast-paced recording sessions, saying, ‘We banged out about 15 songs in one day, and mixed them just as quickly.’ Despite the rapid process, the band believes they’ve captured something special.
A significant portion of ‘Rise’—about 70-80%—comes from the original tapes, with some modern overdubs and tweaks. Kuha mentions that ‘Show Me’ saw a complete transformation, becoming far superior to its demo version.
The album opens with ‘Don’t Look Down,’ a poignant track that reflects on the band’s journey. ‘It’s been a long time / There’s a lot to say,’ sings Flynn, perfectly encapsulating the band’s decades-long hiatus and eventual return.
With its roots firmly planted in the same era as their debut, ‘Rise’ promises to deliver the continuity fans crave. ‘Jim did an outstanding job producing,’ Flynn notes. ‘We’re thrilled with the result, and we think our fans will be too.’
Be sure to check out the mesmerizing video for ‘Running By’ and prepare yourself for a blast from the past with a modern twist. The prog rock scene is about to get a vibrant jolt from Art in America.
