Improvement Movement dazzles with proggy, yacht rocky-y, multi-instrumental Free At Noon show

Atlanta’s Improvement Movement dropped their new album, Your Perfect Real Life, today. And we were lucky to have them stop by for a Free At Noon performance a day before the come back to the city for a gig at Johnny Brenda’s with The Point Saturday.

Despite Philadelphia’s weather feeling like it’s late July rather than early October, a sizable crowd made it to the Music Hall at World Stage to see the four piece outfit.

What proceeded was an eight-song set that kept the audience guessing in more ways than one.

First off, Improvement Movement is comprised of some serious musicians. Both Marshall Ruffin and Zach Pyles wielded guitar, bass, and keys (with Ruffin even breaking out a mini keyboard for a song). Guitarist Clark Hamilton and drummer Tony Aparo kept to their instruments, but they also jumped on vocals.

Throughout their set, all four contributed to otherworldly four-part vocal harmonies, all while playing some rather intricate parts on their respective instruments.

At times throughout the set, Improvement Movement felt like a progressive yacht rock band in the best way possible. Their songs created a sense of mystery as to what would come next. Will we hear a minor chord to resolve the progression? Will Hamilton play a lead lick on his heavy metal guitar? Will Aparo take lead vocals while thumping on the skins? Their show was one of pure musicianship and songwriting, but accessible to music fans who aren’t into the headier side of progressive music.

Friday’s performance was a true sonic journey, and if you missed it be sure to scoop up tickets to their JB’s show and make a night of it.