RIO/Avant-Prog

Rock-in-Opposition — Often abbreviated RIO, this form of progressive rock relies heavily on early 20th century avant-garde classical structures. Dominated by dissonant chords, odd time meters, polyrhythms, and abstract, sometimes politically-oriented vocals, this style is often dismissed even by die-hard progressive fans. Like the other more avant-garde styles such as Krautrock, it should be listened to, and not just heard. Musicianship is extremely high, yet appreciation is somewhat low. This form of prog is best appreciated in live concert settings as the interaction between musicians is quite astounding to watch.

Avant-Prog - Avant-Prog is short for avant-garde progressive rock. This style appeared in the late 1970s as the extension of two separate prog rock sub-styles: Rock in Opposition (RIO) and prog of the Canterbury scene. RIO is a term restricted to temporal limits; Canterbury prog to geographical limits. The late 1970s onward saw the development of an avant-prog scene often functioning in the margin of mainstream prog. A host of groups and artists mainly from the USA, but also from Europe and Japan, started to write mostly short instrumental pieces that focused on complexity and stripped down instrumentation, while avoiding the pomposity and stage props of the big prog acts.

http://www.progarchives.com/subgenre.asp?style=36

RIO/Avant-Prog 20 key studio albums

4.48 SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM Of Natural History (2004)	4.39 ZAPPA, FRANK Hot Rats (1969)	4.61 HÖYRY-KONE Huono Parturi (1997)	4.50 HENRY COW Western Culture (1979)
4.49 SAMLA MAMMAS MANNA Måltid (1973)	4.37 ZAPPA, FRANK The Grand Wazoo (1972)	4.33 UNIVERS ZERO Heresie (1979)	4.26 ZAPPA, FRANK We're Only In It For The Money (1968)
4.23 ZAPPA, FRANK Uncle Meat (1969)	4.57 UNIVERS ZERO Uzed (1984)	4.27 THINKING PLAGUE In Extremis (1998)	4.57 AKINETÓN RETARD Akranania (2002)
4.28 ALAMAAILMAN VASARAT Maahan (2007)	4.48 ZORN, JOHN Naked City (1990)	4.14 MR. BUNGLE Disco Volante (1995)	4.14 ZAPPA, FRANK One Size Fits All (1975)
4.30 ZAMLA MAMMAZ MANNA Familjesprickor (Family Cracks) (1980)	4.53 CARDIACS Sing To God (1996)	4.38 MIRIODOR Jongleries Elastiques (1995)	4.66 BULDOŽER Pljuni Istini U Oči (1975)