The basic arranging and preference for 4/4 meter on this album might not thrill prog purists, but singer/composer Robbie Cooper certainly has a knack for catchy melody lines in your basic pop-song format. The reasons Cooper gets mention here are readily apparent: His voice is a dead-ringer for the legendary Peter Gabriel (check out “Walk on Water,” which sounds like it was lifted straight from Gabriel’s catalog). And when he’s not channeling Gabriel, Cooper does an equally convincing Phil Collins. This should be little wonder, actually, since Cooper sings with the Genesis tribute band Seconds Out. Finally, this disc is packed with a stellar supporting cast, including Tony Levin on Chapman Stick, string players, three backing vocalists and the Uptown Horns brass contingent.
    Drowning in Reality spans 13 tracks of sequenced electronic and live music; the production is excellent. All of these compositions are strong though of course would’ve been well served with extended arranging. The closest here to bona fide art-rock is the pleasing “Lanois Chant.” – John Collinge