domingo, 30 de setembro de 2012

*. Kormorán Memory Band (KMB) .*

Album: Bardo (2006)
Genre: Prog Folk (Medieval/Crossover)  /  Hungary

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Volt egyszer egy rózsa / Once There Was A Rose
02.Érintés / Touch
03.Csillagvándor / Star-Wanderer
04.Stonehenge
05.Ararat (instr.)
06.Bardo
07.Hol volt, hol nem volt / Once Upon A Time
08.Inferno (instr.)
09.Repülj madár, repülj / Fly Bird Fly
10.Az Úr érkezése / Arrival Of The Lord
11.Táltosok tánca / Dance Of The Shaman (instr.)
12.Álomkép / Dream Image
13.Terra Incognita (instr.)
14.Én csillagom / My Star

Line-up / Musicians
Gál Péter / violin, vocals
Jenei Szilveszter / guitar, mandolin, vocals
Margit József / bass, vocals
Salamon Beata / violin, vocals
Csávás Attila / wind instruments, viola
Drexler Zoltán / drums
Vereczkey Attila / keyboards, guitar, vocals
Kolbe Gábor / percussion, vocals

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Beduínos a Gasóleo .*

Album: Beduínos a Gasóleo (2007)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Symphonic)  /  Portugal

The Portuguese band Beduínos a Gasóleo first came into being in the late 1990's, more precisely in 1997. As it was then, the project could be described as classic rock, with some progressive notes. The longest lasting band formation in those days included José Leal (voice), Marko (bass), René (drums), Luís Manuel Oliveira (guitars) and José Carlos Fialho (keyboards). There is only one recording of that iteration, the song Sense of Purpose in the album In Passing, a tribute to the late Adrian Borland (leader of the new wave band The Sound). The album, which includes musicians and bands from allover the globe, was published by the American "indie" label Pathos Music, and has been sold out for some years now. In 2004, the band's creative core (Fialho and Oliveira) resolved to venture into a more ambitious kind of music (a goal that had long been spoken of), and the existing band was broken up, with the two continuing to write and compose new material. Their work was fruitful, and, in 2005, the two author/composers decided to launch the "new" Beduínos a Gasóleo, in order to explore the new material. The band was complete with the addition of Ricardo Leite (bass), Flávio Pena (drums) and Rita Guerreiro (voice). This was the band's make up (minus Rita Guerreiro, since it was an instrumental) when "Convergir", an original by Fialho, was recorded for "Giant for an Hour", a tribute album honoring the band Gentle Giant, one of the greats in progressive rock. In the summer of 2006, the band went into the newly-launched Groovin' High Studios, in Lisbon, to record the first long-play album of originals. Rita Guerreiro had left by then, which left the band with no lead vocalist. The problem was solved with an invitation to Petra, from the Portuguese blues band Nobody's Bizness, who would perform most of the vocals on this album. The album is made up of long "epic" songs (except for a new version of "Convergir", included as a bonus tracks). One of them, inspired on an idea by Nuno Lourenço, of the Portugal Progressivo society, is loosely based on Canto IV of "The Lusiads", the epic poem by Luís de Camões, the sixteenth century poet who is the most famous of all Portuguese poets. The band invited the painter and writer Miguel Horta to write the lyrics, in collaboration with Fialho. The band was also graced, for this part of the album, with a special participation by the singer Janita Salomé, in a symbiosis which might, to some, seem odd. but which turned out to be remarkably successful. (...) There is only one thing left to say: the band's name (which translates as "diesel-powered Bedouins") is meant as an homage to the prematurely lost Portuguese journalist and science fiction writer João Botelho da Silva, who won a Prémio Caminho (awarded to that literary genre) with the novel "Beduínos a Gasóleo". After all, progressive rock and the science fiction/fantasy imaginary have always been companions... (www.beduinosagasoleo.com/)

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. Carta Immense .*

Album: Constantly Repeating (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Metal/Aternative)  /  USA

Honestly when I got Constantly Repeating, there was no expectation at all from me.  I have never heard of Carta Immense before and I didn’t even know what to expect from them, but as soon as the first track started I was pleasantly surprised.  The absolute first thing I noticed is how commanding Dicki’s voice is.  I would hate to draw comparisons, but the first thing I could think about is Johnny Craig and how Dicki could step into his shoes and fill them. (Probably better because i’m guessing Dicki isn’t a big of an idiot) He constantly moves his voice all over the place to crooning in “Quartering an Intolerable Act” to a strained almost-growl in “Iglood Together” The production overall is tighter than some signed bands I have heard, with every instrument layered almost perfectly (I say almost because I felt the drums were hidden behind everything else in some places)  I am not much of a synth man myself, but Carta uses them often but not overbearing in my sight. This band is very catchy, I had strained my throat in my band’s practice and while I was trying to rest my voice, I caught myself singing along more than I should have. Mostly “Ills and Toll” Lyrically this album is very very good.  I enjoyed reading along  in the free booklet.  The only complaint I have here is repeated lyrics, which can either be used very effectively or just too drawn out, and i felt in some places they should have just wrote another line to get the point across, but that is a very minor offense in my book. If you are looking for a good indie rock band with a strong lead and good vocals, and a great future definitely give Carta Immense a listen. Review by "WaywardMSL" (http://killhipsters.com).

RATING:  7.25 / 10

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*. Ian Neal .*

Album: Out of the Woods (2011)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Ambient/New Age)  /  UK

I learnt keyboards playing Hammond organ. After a period gigging with a few Sheffield bands, I moved to composing and producing my own music. Adding guitar to my repertoire I began to produce highly-worked, lush instrumental pieces. My aim is that every piece produced is exquisitely constructed, intriguing and will not tire of being played again and again. I want each work to convey some image and take the listener on a journey of imagination. My work follows in the traditions of electronica, prog-rock and even classical music. I use a range of sounds and often work with lengthy pieces in order to create uplifting music with crescendos and points of resolution, as demonstrated in my track Kingdom of the Birds. The piece was played on Radio 1 by Rob da Bank for his track selection from the double CD A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding in Your Mind: Vol. 1 and is typical of my work in its mixture of quiet and loud passages, its 70s inspired Mellotron and synth sounds, but also its 21st century production and feel. My first CD is a concept album. Its title track 'All in the Golden Afternoon…' provides the conceptual cues inspired by the figure of Lewis Carroll and the Victorian summers that were the context for his producing 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland'. Like other tracks, it features evocative samples of spoken poetry, (in this case Carroll’s poem ‘All in the Golden Afternoon’ which features as a preface to the book). Spoken word adds another dimension to my music and works well for the albums. I also make voice-free versions of the tracks so that they might be used for sync work. My second CD 'Out of the Woods' (provisional title) follows in the same vein. Work is underway on a third album which aims to be more synth-based owing to the “sci-fi” and “space-type” themes it draws on. The fourth album will make a return to the pastoral feel which is partially evident in the first and second CDs. (www.facebook.com)

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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sábado, 29 de setembro de 2012

*. Albion .*

Album: The Indefinite State of Matter (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Neo Prog)  /  Poland

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Particle Of Soul 10:17
02.When I See The Light 6:49
03.Childrens Rhyme 5:25
04.Airborne 6:38
05.Indefinite State 8:30
06.Fear 10:01

Line-up / Musicians
Jerzy Antczak / guitars, fx
Krzysztof Malec / keyboards
Katarzyna Sobkowicz-Malec / vocals 
Guests:
Krzysztof Wyrwa / bass
Grzegorz Bauer / drums
Rhonda Adams / backing vocals

RATING:  ?????????????

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*. Pop Mašina .* (Remaster)

Album: Antologija 1972-1976 (2008)(2Cd's Remaster Compilation)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy Prog/Blues/Hard Rock)  /  Serbia

Wow! Finally! A box-set including all recordings of the legendary Yugoslavian progressive hard rock band, ironically named Pop Masina. This release marks the first time these recordings are released on a CD. Some recordings are previously unreleased. All in all, a perfect and complete retrospective of this truly unique band in Yugoslavia. Before the musical contents, let's go through the visual side of Antologija. It's a cardboard box-set, including a 48-page booklet, with lots of information about the band. There are interviews, concert reviews, album reviews, stories about the band, lots of pictures, song lyrics and, of course, the introduction word by Robert Nemecek, the band's leader. The whole release is dedicated to the memory of the late Zoran Bozinovic, the band's guitarist and singer.
CD 1 includes 19 songs. Among the first 8 songs are the first two singles by the band, as well as some unreleased demo versions. These show that Pop Masina was not just a regular pop band in Yugoslavia. On the contrary, their sound was pretty hard, with short lyrics and a large space for improvisations. Check out the opening 'Put ka suncu' and the demo of 'Trazim put' (#7). Tracks 9-17 are from the LP 'Kiselina' as it was released back in 1973. (For the 'real' version of the album, the way it should have been released, see 'Originalna Kiselina: 35 Godina Kasnije'.) The album shows the contrasts in the sound of Pop Masina - the hard rock side in 'Na Drumu za Haos' and 'Pesma srecne noci' and a more mellow sound of 'Mir' and (the unfinished) 'Slike iz Proslih Dana'. The album's title track shows a dose of psychedelia in their music. The final two songs are from the third single. 'Zemlja Svetlosti' is one of the most famous Pop Masina songs.
CD 2 features 15 songs. It kicks off with their second album 'Na Izvoru Svetlosti'. The original LP featured an additional live track, but more about it later. The mellow side of Pop Masina prevails here - you have slower and acoustic songs like 'Na izvoru' and 'Rekvijem za prijatelja'. 'Zemlja svetlosti' was re-recorded here with an added section in the middle of the song. The rest of the disc is comprised of three live recordings from Hala Sportova in Belgrade. The first one (7-12, excluding #11) was used for the A-side of the live album 'Put ka Suncu'. Track 11, the blues by the name of 'Negde Daleko' was previously released on 'Na Izvoru Svetlosti' album. The second live recording features two covers, 'Voodoo Chile' and 'Crossroads'. It is a homage to Pop Masina's biggest influences, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. The sound isn't brilliant, considering it was recorded from the audience. The final track, 'Put ka Suncu', comprised the B-side of the live album of the same name. It is 13 minutes long and was recorded on the band's final concert. All of these live tracks show Pop Masina's ability to perform a true rock show in the 'power trio' form. What is to say in the end? Along with 'Originalna Kiselina: 35 Godina Kasnije', this is a real epitaph to one of the greatest bands that came from Yugoslavia. A must for prog/hard rock fans from around the world! Review by " In the Flesh?" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.75 / 10    **GREAT**

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*. Maiden United .*

Album: Across the Seventh Sea (2012)
Genre: Acoustic Rock  /  Netherlands

MAIDEN UNITED, The All-Acoustic IRON MAIDEN Tribute Project featuring Damian Wilson (THRESHOLD, HEADSPACE) and Ruud Jolie (WITHIN TEMPTATION), will release ist new Album.

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Seventh Son Intro & Only The Good Die Young
02.2 Minutes To Midnight
03.Prowler
04.Flash Of The Blade
05.Children Of The Damned
06.Infinite Dreams
07.22 Acacia Avenue
08.The Evil That Men Do
09.Wasted Years

Line-up / Musicians
Damian Wilson (THRESHOLD, HEADSPACE) / Vocals
Ruud Jolie (WITHIN TEMPTATION) / Guitar
Joey Bruers (UP THE IRONS) / Bass
Marco Kuypers (CLOUDMACHINE) / Piano
Mike Coolen (WITHIN TEMPTATION) / Drums

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Trio Dag .*

Album: Secanja (1974)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Acoustic Folk)  /  Serbia

TRIO DAG was seemingly a typical representative of the so-called "Belgrade acoustic scene" of the mid-seventies. Dragan Popović (vocals, guitar) and brothers Aleksandar (vocals, guitar) and Grujica Milovanović (vocals, percussion) came together in 1972 naming the band after their first names initials. After two singles that enjoyed moderate success on the local acoustic folk scene, they recorded LP "Sećanja" ("Memories") in 1974. In order to expand the musical performance and offer richer arrangements, they invited a large group of colleagues and session players to support the recording. The result is pretty remarkable acoustic/electric acid folk rock album with elements of psychedelic and symphonic/chamber pop. However, the term "folk" should be understood as describing the Anglo-American "folk rock" rather than the local/Balkanian folk influences as was the case with another famous similar band, their contemporaries S VREMENA NA VREME. The album starts with gentle acoustic ballads "Svitanje" ("Dawning") and "Jutro jednog fauna" ("A Faun's Morning") that are enhanced by symphonic/baroque sounding strings. It seems like an early precursor of what would recently be labelled "chamber pop". "Ljubav" ("Love") continues in the acoustic style, bringing a sad, melancholic atmosphere of the PINK FLOYD's "A Pillow of Winds" and the dark moments of Nick Drake's songs. A Neil Young-ish mouth harp introduces another beautiful harmony of tenor vocals and acoustic guitars in "Cvet starog samuraja" ("The Flower of the Old Samurai"). The song ends with an odd psychedelic effect of reversed electric guitar solo, like the one utilised for instance in the BEATLES' "I Am Only Sleeping". The second part of the album provides a space for guest players to add their spices to the musical act. Notable appearances include the POP MASINA rhythm section (Robert Nemeček on bass guitar and Bata Popović on percussion), another two drummers: Rasa Đelmas (ex YU GRUPA, POP MASINA) and Nikola Jager (ex S VREMENA NA VREME), a distinguished session keyboardist Slobodan Marković on organ and piano, who played on numerous rock and pop albums in the seventies, and lyricist Marina Tucaković who was yet to build her, often disputed, song writing career in the pop music scene by the end of the decade. "Tragovi u pesku" ("Traces in the Sand") has a pleasant and highly accessible melody provided by laid-back organ chords, supported by slow drums pattern and fine brief electric guitar solo. Psychedelic/acid highlights of the album are present in the following two tunes, which are played in a very electrified folk rock style of CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG or JEFFERSON AIRPLANE. "I sad." ("And Now.") contains changes of tempo between easy/acoustic and speedy/electric sections of the song. The eight and half minutes magnum opus "Na Drini ćuprija" ("The Bridge on the River Drina") opens with sitar sounds courtesy of Ljubomir Ristić. The song develops along the INCREDIBLE STRING BAND sounding raga rock timbre with additional electric guitar with wah-wah effects and piano. DAG vocals are somewhat put in the background but nonetheless are perfectly fitted within the frame of this acid folk masterpiece. Strings are back again just to announce a sudden shift into a brief hard beating boogie-rock led by electric guitars, while the organ fades out the track. The album finishes with another ballad "I na kraju zvuk" ("A Sound at the End") which presents even a nice, short jazz-rock jamming with electric piano, energetic drums and excellent lead guitar play. Don't expect amazing production or instrumental performance on "Sećanja" - we are still in the period of an early Yugoslavian rock discography, when LP vinyl records used to be printed in 500-600 copies only! Hence the rarity nature of albums like this one. I found information that this album used to be allegedly priced at 300 US dollars at e-Bay! True or not, it shows that we are talking about a rare gem. It has not been issued on CD so far and it is a pity that only devout vinyl collectors (and those not minding mp3 rips) may enjoy it. If compared with international contemporaries, this record may sound sub-standard, even dated or amateurish. But, being situated within the Yugoslav rock scene, "Sećanja", due to its sincerity, creativeness, lyrical and topical approach and unpretentious performance, must be graded with high mark. Together with the eponymous album of S VREMENA NA VREME, DAG debut is perhaps the best album of acoustic prog folk of the seventies in former Yugoslavia. Review by "Seyo" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.75 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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sexta-feira, 28 de setembro de 2012

*. Alberto Rigoni .*

Album: Three Wise Monkeys (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy Prog/Hard Rock/Exp.)  /  Italy

Exceptional bass player and composer Alberto Rigoni returns with another solo project Three Wise Monkeys. It's a partly conceptual album based on the Japanese story of the three wise monkeys: Mizaru who sees no evil, Kikazaru who hears no evil, and Iwazaru who speaks no evil. In this pursuit Rigoni, of course, is not alone, having a host significant players to assist him. Notable are vocalist Goran Edman on the title track, Twinspirits band mate Tommy Ermolli on guitar, and Kevin Moore (OSI, ChromaKey) on keyboards. Like the previous Rebirth, this album contains both instrumental and vocal tracks. However, this time the number is split evenly between the two. Three of the instrumentals are applied to conceptual side of the album, specifically three monkeys. Here we find Rigoni and company again exploring his interest in progressive rock fusion with his bass work leading the way. With the fourth instrumental, Between Space and Time, these find Rigoni developing his wistful and experimental arrangements. On vocal tracks, all of them swing between melodic and progressive rock. Three Wise Monkeys, Free Falling and Blackened Tornado are more on the harder side of melodic rock, and the latter with more progressive nuances. Coming Home and Believe are simply lighter numbers that have some of that cagey wistfulness found in the instrumentals. While the vocal songs are interesting, in the end, I think I'm more persuaded and entertained by Rigoni's instrumentals. They seem to lend themselves more to Rigoni's adventures into the prog rock fusion, an musical expression I've always find intriguing. Nevertheless, this does not make Three Wise Monkeys a bad or trivial album, but I liked Rebirth more. Otherwise, easily recommended. Review by "Craig Hartranft" (www.dangerdog.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Vytautas Kernagis .*

Album: Baltojo Nieko Dainelės (1979)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Rock/Folk)  /  Lithuania

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Niekas nežada vaikams sidabro knygelę (Atsklandėlė)
02.Baltojo Nieko dainelė
03.Niekas kalba žiogo balsu
04.Žmonės atranda Baltojo Nieko avinelį
05.Niekas kariauja dėl avinėlio ir marių žolės
06.Niekas išvysta vėjų papartį
07.Niekas gano kiauleles (Užskalndėlė)

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. 2112 .*

Album: El Maravilloso Circo De Los Hermanos Lombardi (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy Prog/Hard Rock)  /  Argentina

The new album named El Maravilloso Circo De Los Hermanos Lombardi of this argentinian heavy prog band - 2112 released in may 2012 is a worthy affair from all sides. They didn't release anything since 2000 and is their forth album, but instead they have a very prolific live activity performing at big prog festivals in that period after their third album was released. I'll say with my hand on heart this new album is one of the best heavy prog albums I've heared in years, a welcome back of this excellent band. With two new members the bass player Gabriel Costa and by far the best vocalist they ever head Germán Ivaldi, the band sounds better then before in any aspect. The sound , the arrangements, all is tight , mature and profesional at best, this new album is better then all 3 previous releases together, no doubt about it. What strokes me about this release, besides the impressive cover art and art work of the album, the great story behind the album about Lombardi brothers and their famous across Europe Circus Lombardi, is the guitar work , man this is solid playing. From the first track Los Hermanos Lombardi who is absolutly killer piece, the guitar is mindblowing and show that Tambussi after so many years, almost 25 years of career witht the band never sounding better. This track sets the mood for entire album, each piece is great, no weak moments, captivating passages alternating pieces with voice with instrumental ones. I simply love what I've heared here, these guys needs a far more recognition, and this album proves that they are among the best in their field for sure. This release has it all, tight guitar playing with excellent riffs and solos, great drum chops, brilliant bass lines and a very good voice who goes hand in hand with the music, this Ivaldi has a very pleasent tone for such music and is clear that here is in his own. Besides opening track, pieces like Marea sepia, instrumentals Capitan Beatty or Ingeniero Marconi are simply heavy prog of the highest calibre , as must sound this style, inventive passages and all members are in good mood. All in all a very worthy album and a welcome back of this unnoticed band after more then a decade pause in making studio albums. 4-4.5 stars easy and recommended for sure, I love it big time. One of my fav album from this year and in general. With El Maravilloso Circo De Los Hermanos Lombardi 2112 shows that they are still in bussines sounding better then many bands well known in this filed. Review by "b_olariu" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  ????????????

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*. The Electric Lady .*

Album: Black Moon (2012)
Genre: Hard Rock (Prog Rock/AOR)  /  Finland

The Electric Lady is a Finnish hard rock band that was formed in 2007 by singer songwriter Minna Ora and guitarist Kari Ora. The pair had actually been performing together acoustically since 1998 but they wanted to give their songs more power and decided to form a full band. Since 2011 they have been writing and recording their debut and the end result is ‘Black Moon’. There is a short almost gothic intro which flows into the first main track which is the highly commercial ‘A Man Of That Kind’. A bouncing bass line and husky vocals gives way to a funky progression and a punchy chorus. ‘You Can’t’ and ‘Waterproof’ are two more with classic rock riffs that are given modern tweaks. The former has an energetic melody that is backed up by some layered keys and some powerful vocals. ‘Waterproof’ is fuelled by a winding riff which converts to a chug in the verse with the chorus mixing both parts. ‘Through Ice And Snow’ and ‘Black Moon’ are two that rank as more complex and atmospheric with both having a moody, intense feel about them and solos that are more intricate. Of all the songs here there are two that especially stand out. ‘Secret Love’ has some effects filled guitar and a solid pace from the rhythm section before erupting into a driven catchy chorus. ‘Who Cares’ is west coast-styled rocker with a pounding bass and drums before a most infectious chorus appears. ‘Black Moon’ is not just about rocking out, there’s time for two ballads in ‘Your Heart Is 100 Times Bigger Than Mine’ and ‘That Is The Way’. Both are exceedingly Joviesque with ‘Your Heart’ having some emotional whining guitar that almost borders on country. ‘That Is The Way’ it a classical affair with plenty of strings and piano providing the back drop for M Ora’s sultry vocals. This is a fun, energetic and fine American styled hard rock album. It is nothing flashy or wildly different but it’s done well and it’s a joy to listen to. The best comparison would be to think Bon Jovi meets Heart/Sheryl Crow. This is an ideal drive time album well suited to being blasted out on a summer’s day motoring down an open winding road. Minna Ora has an expressive voice with a good range and style for this type of music. Kari Ora offers up plenty of groovy riffs and progressions and effortlessly blends some modern licks with the retro melodies and riffs. The other band members contribute fully with the drums and bass providing a solid engine for this rock vehicle whilst the keys add to the retro feel in places. The production is good; it’s pretty clear and polished. This is a solid and enjoyable radio friendly rock album that is worthy of your interest and time. In fact why not pick the lady up, and take her for a spin in the car on beautiful day, you’ll find it an agreeable decision. 
Review by "Dave Scott" (www.rocktopia.co.uk).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Kuusumun Profeetta .*

Album: Sanansaattaja Oraakkeli Salamurha Hyökkäysvaunu (2004)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Psych./Folk)  /  Finland

A wonderful, epic prog rock album. Theatrical, but witty and somehow sarcastic, using some old cliches consciously and with some humour. Had the band been too serious about their efforts in this genre, would this album have become the laughing stock of the year, I believe. But note, this is definitely not a comedy album of any kind! The songs are mostly beautiful, and the vocals are really unique in style. The singer Mika Rättö(plays keys too) is very talented and his stylistic approach is remarkable. One may find his style annoying at first, but I find it awesome. Review by "Partizan" (Rate Your Music).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **GREAT**

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quinta-feira, 27 de setembro de 2012

*. Scarlet Hollow .*

Album: What If Never Was (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Prog Metal/Alternative)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.The Path
02.Apathy's Child
03.Thermal Winds
04.Around The Bend
05.The Waiting
06.Behind The Lines
07.All That Remains
08.As The Blade Falls
09.20 20
10.Nightfall Overture
11.A Riders Passing (bonus)

Line-up / Musicians
Allison Vonbuelow / Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, synths and mellotron
Gregg Olson / Electric Guitars
Jeff Mack / Bass Guitars
Diago Grom Marvigliea / Drums and Percussion

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Kerber .* (Remaster 2009)

Album: Seobe (1986)(Remaster 2009)
Genre: Soft Prog Rock (Neo Prog/AOR/Rock)  /  Serbia

CD 3 - Sabrana Dela (Сабрана дела) (Boxset 2009)

After switching to PGP RTS from the less glamorous RTLJ, Kerber recorded their undisputed masterpiece - Seobe. With veteran drummed Djuricic (YU Grupa, Leb i Sol, and millions of others) taking the stool, band sounds tighter than ever -  and their sound has been more adapted for the masses. Great rockers (Hajde da se volimo, Covek of meda, latter featuring Bora Djordjevic), wondrous ballads (Bolje da sam druge ljubio, Kad ljubav izda, Jos samo ovu noc mi daj) are the highlights here, with very very very few throwaways (namely only just one - Beli tragovi) - all this makes this album so great, and the haunting title track just rounds the whole package. Sadly, it's downhill from here. Review by "Mairosu" (Rate Your Music).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Mirageman .* (Reissue+Bonus)

Album: Thunder and Lightning (1972)(Reissue 1997 + 4 Bonus)
Genre: Jazz Rock Fusion (Prog Rock)  /  Italy

After establishing a wild blend of lounge, swing, and psychedelic bite on Thrilling, Italian lounge musician Mirageman continued to push this combination even further on Thunder and Lightning. This album differs from Thrilling by adding a greater emphasis on electric guitar textures to flesh out the music's horn-heavy style. This balance is firmly established on the opening cut, "Thunder," which features percussive blasts of horns soaring a pulsating groove that is fuelled by gritting-sounding wah-wah guitars. Other standout cuts in this vein include "Paralysis," which plays off an acidic-sounding heavy guitar groove against some soulful organ licks, and "Abstraction," a horn-heavy number whose jazzy swing is grounded by a thick layer of distorted guitar. Another standout cut is "Paroxysm," which starts with a jazzy bassline played over some exotic percussion and builds into a full-on slice of psychedelia complete with swirling organ and wailing fuzz guitar. The end result is an album that feels like the late-'60s version of Deep Purple jamming on some Henry Mancini-style instrumentals. Because of this oddball style, Thunder and Lightning is something of an acquired taste, but anyone into the more adventurous strains of lounge music should find plenty to enjoy here. [Collector's note: The 1997 reissue of Thunder And Lightning also throws in a few lighter bonus cuts to round the package. The best of the bunch are "Spring Summer Winterland Full," a slow, bluesy piano excursion, and "Nicaragua," a flute-led instrumental whose gentle Latin feel is the opposite of Thunder and Lightning's heaviness.] Review by "Donald A. Guarisco" (www.allmusic.com).

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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quarta-feira, 26 de setembro de 2012

*. Kuusumun Profeetta .*

Album: Huutoja hiljaisesta huoneesta (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Psych./Folk)  /  Finland

Finnish band KUUSUMUN PROFEETTA was born in 2001, a band that grew out of and initially partially co-existed with long time band Moon Fog Prophet. One might say that they in fact were the same band: Kuusumun Profeetta is just Finnish for Moon Fog Prophet after all. And the latter did release an album in 2002, which was to be their last under that moniker. But as the new band name also brought with it a slight change in stylistic expression, one might as well regard them as separate but closely related entities in their own right. But even as their life as Moon Fog Prophet came to an end, they had already established their new identity as Kuusumun Profeetta, making their debut as a Finnish language act in 2001 with Kukin Kaappiaan Selässään Kantaa. And when playing live they were strengthened by Irina Niemelä on saxophone and Daniel James Finley on percussion and backing vocals at this point in time. Later on their live excursions might occasionally be strengthened by one or more of a group of additional musicians: Jyrki Laiho (guitars), Elli Keltto, Emmi Sydänmaa and Ilana Vähätupa (backing vocals). 2002 also saw their second release Jatkuvasti Maailmaa Pelastamaan Kyllästynyt Supersankari hit shelves, around the same time as Italian label Mellow Records decided to release the final Moon Fog Prophet disc Taunting Tin Bells Through The Mammal Void. The following year Jyrki Laiho (guitars) and Samuli Peltoniemi (trumpet) became the latest permanent members of the band. In 2004 Sanansaattaja Oraakkeli Salamurha Hyökkäysvaunu was released, their third full length production as Kuusumun Profeetta. A popular album, and their first to hit the Finnish album charts. At this time the band started cooperating with composer Harri Kerko, and 2006 saw the band release a new album that bore the fruits of this crative union: Hymyilevien Laivojen Satama. This cooperation was continued live as well, with two extensive performances that saw Kerko conducting and the band incorporating a multimedia show. But then matters returned to normal again, and when Lyhtykuja was released in 2008 it was a regular band effort. One year later they released Myrskyn Silmään, their first live DVD. The next couple of years turned out to be silent ones for this Finnish act, due to the individual members being active elsewhere. Apart from a few live appearencs, the most noteworthy to report from this period was the inclusion of Harri Sippola (guitars) as a permanent member. But the band hadn't been completely at ease for this period, as documented when they announced that a new album was on it's way in May, the forthcoming production to be called Huutoja Hiljaisesta Huoneesta. 
With 2012 set as the tentative year of release. (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. Drago Mlinarec .* (Remaster)

Album: Tako Lako (1979)(Remaster 2011)
Genre: Prog Folk (Pop/Rock)  /  Croatia

CD 6 - Kolekcija (Boxset 2011)

Mlinarec's previous album "Sve je u redu" failed to hit the charts and was also dismissed by the press. Therefore, Mlinarec decided to change direction a bit. Instead of Neven Franges and his group, for the new album he established collaboration with Croatian- born Swedish resident, Tihomir Tinnie Varga, who was a musician himself and owner of a recording studio in Sweden. This new collaboration was to last until the final studio album "Pomaknuto" in 1983, when Mlinarec decided to retire from the music scene. During this period, a legion of Yugoslavian and Swedish studio musicians participated on his albums. The sixth studio album, recorded and released in 1979, was titled "Tako lako" (So Easy). It marked stylistic change from largely acoustic, laid-back, spacey folk-rock ballads towards straightforward, electrified and energetic rock'n'roll. It is obvious that the then New Wave sounds brought "fresh blood" and new ideas to the legions of classic (prog) rockers, and Mlinarec was clever enough to take it as a challenge. And he succeeded! Influences on "Tako lako" are varied - American folk-rock and southern rock, British roots revival and pub-rock, and psychedelic folk ballads. The title track is a hot-blooded rocker, filled with guitar riffs and strong rhythm sections, much in the style of American southern rock a la ALLMAN BROS or LYNYRD SKYNYRD. "Stranac" (The Stranger) was a big hit with extremely nice and catchy chorus, semi-acoustic and semi-electric mainstream rock piece. The word "mainstream" here denotes that it is not "prog", not that it's too AOR. There are slices of "Caribbean" percussion. Instrumental "Jezera" (The Lakes) brings back the acoustic side of Mlinarec, with nice duet of 12-strings and Dobro guitars (and sort of what sounds like mandolins) which invoke Ry Cooder's soundtracks a little bit (however, this is 1979!). Harmonica adds a bit of "Western movies" atmosphere. Then a storm comes in - a menacing and stomping bass rhythm and guitars, with high pitch percussion effects - "Ovce" (Sheep)! "The sheep don't care about wolves and winter problems as long as there is enough long grass to eat..." I am not saying this was a deliberate allegory on the peak moment of the Yugoslavian "the most humane" and most developed self-governing socialist system in the world under Tito leadership (he died the following year), but one wonders... It is definitely a cynical commentary on the society. And given the furious electric guitar solo, it is not the only connection with PINK FLOYD's "Animals"! "Ovce" is definite masterpiece of this album and one of the strongest musical and lyrical works of Drago Mlinarec. Unfortunately, or maybe just because of that fact, it remained obscure and unknown in the Yugo scene. "Prijatelj" (My Friend) mixes THE ROLLING STONES guitar riffs with New Wave/Ska rhythm guitar chords, with additional 1950s style rockabilly backing vocals and more Caribbean percussion. A song made perfect for the parties, but pales with repeated listening. "Vjetar s juga" (Southern Wind) is a slower track with acoustic guitars, melodic bass and drums hit with brushes. Again we feel typical American sound of folk/country/rock - I can sense the presence of GRATEFUL DEAD's "American Beauty" sound, which is great. "San" (The Dream) is another "progressive" highlight of the album. It is a slow ballad in a familiar Mlinarec style, including synthesisers, wonderful electric guitar solo moments and changes of tempo. The chorus is very atmospheric and gives a wide-space sensation with some folksy melodic solos. This song was composed back in 1969 when Mlinarec served the army in Rijeka. For this occasion a female friend spoke a part of the lyrics in Swedish. "Nostalgija" (Nostalgia) has a sort of honky-tonk jazz/blues rhythm performed mainly with acoustic instruments. Check excellent solo on acoustic guitar! Now, on the strict prog side only two or three songs fit into that category. But don't be so narrow-minded; "Tako lako" is excellent rock album first and foremost. It is diverse in style and all the tracks (well, except maybe "Prijatelj") are very well crafted and performed. "Ovce" alone would qualify this album for a highly recommended listening. Review by "Seyo" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Colour Haze .*

Album: She Said (2012)(2 Cd's)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Stoner/Heavy Psych/Jam Band)  /  Germany

We had to wait a long time. Four years. As long as never before in the history of Colour Haze. Again and again there were problems in the completion of the new album. To list all of them here would become prohibitive. But what counts is not the time, we had to wait, but the one, we listen to the music. If you take a look at the extreme running time alone, the wait seems to be worth it. We get about 80 minutes of material. A record which you don’t not know where to start, let alone to describe with simple words. Okay, we all have consumed Transformation already dozens of times and have closed it in our hearts as a classic of course. A similarly long period (nearly 20 minutes), is featured by the title track, which also serves as the opener. She Said begins quietly. Very quietly. Slowly summing and guitar playing of Stefan and Philipp’s Bass, foregather with a piano and Manfred’s sporadic beats. As if they would meet here again after years of hiatus. The pent-up energy now seems to be discharged in several bursts. With the beginning of Stefan’s vocal inevitably a smile shines on our faces. Once, in the usual Colour Haze-style the song seems to be driven completely alone by it’s own energy, you forget not only the musicians behind the instruments, but also, that this is just the first song of the record. This one alone already needs several listens to get the song in all it’s facets. You see, it figuratively swarms with additional instruments on this album! Several electromechanical pianos, synthesizers and a grand piano we find in the key department. Congas and chimes in the percussion department. Horns, trumpet and trombone as wind instruments. And in addition to the backing vocals, the strings must also not be forgotten. Madness. So the melodic, guitar-heavy, impregnated by a warm natural gravity Sound is expanded on almost every corner. She Said could have ended up as a big construction site, instead the album breathes like a growing, pulsating organism that wants to unfold in all directions. The rhythm section alternates between euphoric driving forward and skillfully holding together. The eight songs are not divided by direct breaks, but joined together by ambient sounds to create a great whole. The shorter fraction is covered by the two-minute organ-rocker This and Slowdown, in which Stefan gets support by female vocals. Some may have found the essence of the sound of Colour Haze in previous albums already. Because, although there are a lot of experiments here, we don’t discover any real queer fellows, but much more variations of the direction in which the sound of the Munichs developed to in the last few years. Songs such as Stand In… and Rite, include less of the variety of instruments, and seem to be related much more likely to Tempel or All, which probably makes them also the easiest ones to perform on stage without any additional live musicians. Grace on the other hand ends with an almost orchestral instrumentation and gives the Opus an epic finale. After a nearly twenty-year history of the band, Colour Haze have proved once more that you can go forward. That you must not tread water. That things are worth waiting for. Only one thing should be clear: So much time, effort and love that was put in the album, is required to the same extent by the listener. Who listens attentively gets rewarded. With such an album in the record collection a further four-year wait seems not so bad. We still hope it does not take that long once more. Review by "timcky" (www.stonerrock.eu).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Steven Wilson .*

Album: Get All You Deserve (2012)(Live 2 Cd's)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Art Rock/Exp.)  /  UK

Songs / Tracks Listing - CD 1
01.No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun
02.Index
03.Deform to Form a Star
04.Sectarian
05.Postcard
06.Remainder the Black Dog
07.Harmony Korine
08.Abandoner
09.Like Dust I Have Cleared From My Eye

Songs / Tracks Listing - CD 2
01.Luminol
02.Veneno Para Las Hadas
03.No Part Of Me
04.Raider II
05.Get All You Deserve - Outro ('Litany')

RATING:  8.75 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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terça-feira, 25 de setembro de 2012

*. Filoritmia .*

Album: Passaggi (2009)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Heavy/Symphonic)  /  Italy

After a gap of nine years, Italian's Filoritmia have got round to releasing their second album Passaggi. Unfortunately I haven't heard their first album so can't make comparisons to musical development etc. However what I can say is I'm very impressed with this Milanese five piece; enough to consider tracking down a copy of their debut. Strong vocals sung in Italian are complimented by very competent musicianship from all players involved and mature songwriting. From the powerful opening track, Colla e Gesso it would appear we're in for a heavy rock, seventies style album with its powerful guitar riffing, pleasing Hammond organ and solid rhythm section. It doesn't take long however to realise that Filoritmia have more up their sleeves as they move through varying themes while maintaining the overall power of the song. Senza Sale confirms this being a more diverse piece and while it contains a heavier mid section is overall a more reflective track over its eight and half minutes. The instrumental Non E Festa seems to be a nod to fellow countrymen PFM taking its cue from their song E Festa. L'uomo Che Torna is the most diverse track yet as it shifts from delicate light and shade into powerful riffing and an acoustic guitar driven finale overlaid with tastefully melodic soloing, the band proving they have the musical chops to deal with subtle textures as well as the heavier rocking moments. Godo continues the trend of shifting and inventive rhythms and starts as one of the heavier tracks until a piano led section shifts things down a couple of gears before moving into a lengthy guitar solo. Il Sogno Del Fotografo has them in a more playful mood with a lighter feel and complex rhythmic patterns that never sit still. Halfway the mood changes into a piano led section with a darker feel. Questo returns to heavy rock territory and while it's decent enough is not one of the best tracks. They save the longest for last with the ten minute Manifesto. Starting with the heaviest riff on the album it moves into an enthralling guitar dominated instrumental section and after a short return to vocals it's into more dynamic instrumental work. With Passaggi, Filoritmia have come up trumps with a pleasing album of heavy prog, and while they are placed in the RPI genre here on PA, their music transcends such barriers and is likely to have a broader appeal to prog fans who don't usually listen to Italian prog. 
Review by "Nightfly" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Joshua .*

Album: Willie and the Hand Jive (1975)
Genre: Prog Rock (Blues/Hard Rock/Psych.)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.You Better Run
02.Love Is A Hurting Thing
03.Harlem Shuffle
04.Willie And The Handjive
05.I Thank You
06.Handbags And Gladrags
07.I Just Want To Make Love To You

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. To-Mera .*

Album: Exile (2012)
Genre: Prog Metal (Symphonic Metal)  /  UK

I discovered To-Mera last year after being blown away by Haken's "Visions" and desperate for more. I discovered both bands share keyboardist and composer Richard Henshall, as well as some musical similarities. The reason I felt immediately drawn to this band is because they have a very unique style. And when a band has a style so unique, everything they do is interesting. "Exile" is essentially a continuation of the same music found in their previous release, "Delusions", but this music is so individual and fascinating that I don't mind them making the same album twice. When trying to describe the band's sound to my friends, I said "Imagine a female led metal band. That doesn't sound like Nightwish". My friend's response was "How is that even possible?" To-Mera are a basic progressive metal band, with hints of the 'djent' style of recent years, as well as some interesting sections that were prominent on both "Delusions" and Haken's debut "Aquarius", that draw on jazz, folk etc for influence. Progressive metal has been known for being rather boring, but the female vocals and interesting dynamic changes here keep you captivated and intrigued. The intro track, "Inviting The Storm" is a nice, short track with some truly fantastic drum work underneath some almost oriental sounding guitars. It builds into a nice heavy section before quieting to more ambience. A nice instrumental intro that shows the band's diverse influences. "The Illusionist" begins with some nice strings, without sounding like symphonic metal at all, a trait that To-Mera plays well. The guitar begins with a very djenty opening riff, Julie Kiss's vocals provide a softer contrast to make an interesting end result. More oriental sounds that remind me a bit of Myrath, and a soft section with some nice 5/4 meter follow the song onto the end. To-Mera show their ability of making songs with absolutely no structure sound very structured, in an odd way. The track flows nicely into "The Descent", with some nice piano and loud power chords. This track has some of the best vocal work on the album. The second half goes into a very odd section of fast drumming, neo-prog esque keyboards, and male death vocals. All makes for a very surreal experience until the cleans come back in. And interesting track going into untread ground. "Deep Inside" has some more fantastic work from drummer Paul Westwood, as well as one of the nicest solos of the album. Aside from that, nothing special about it. Another nice transition moves into the 10 minute "Broken". A heavier intro with some distorted vocals, as well as the return of strings and what almost sounds like a choir in the background. A long softer section with some nice gothic-style vocals finish the track. A very hectic intro begins "End Game", the shortest track on the album save the intro. One of the heaviest songs on the album, but it includes some truly fantastic piano work and a nice vocal melody. A nice acoustic section begins "Surrender", one of two longer tracks that close the album. Includes a very strange interlude that reminds me of the ones on Haken's Aquarius, with some organ on top of more excellent drumming. A nice melody finishes off one of the stronger songs on the album. Soft piano begins the almost 13 minute "All I Am". A nice song that sums up the entire album. Strong vocals over layered guitar and keyboards, with occasional showcases of brilliance from the instrumentalists. And the piano dominates throughout. Overall, a nice continuation from Delusions, nothing new, but when you have such a unique style, you don't need much new. Review by "Gallifrey" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. Kormorán Memory Band (KMB) .*

Album: Erdélyi Betlehem (2008)
Genre: Prog Folk (Medieval/Crossover)  /  Hungary

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Ismeretlen szerző: Fehér Karácsony
02.Szabolcska Mihály: Karácsony (vers)
03.Szabolcska Mihály: Karácsony
04.Baja Mihály: Karácsony (benne: részlet Dsida Jenő Karácsonyi utazás c. verséből)
05.Horváth István: Ha a fenyő maga volna
06.Csávossy György: Télutó (benne: részlet Dsida Jenő Karácsonyi utazás c. verséből)
07.Áprily Lajos: Karácsony-est
08.Szilágyi Domokos: Télifa
09.Széllyes Sándor: Székely Karácsony (vers)
10.Papp Erika: Hull a hó
11.Egyed Emese: Holdtölte
12.Dsida Jenő: Most újra éj van, hallgatag
13.Dutka Ákos: Karácsonyi beszélgetés az Úr Jézussal 1923-ban
14.Betlehemnek pusztájában (népdal)
15.Szabolcska Mihály: Karácsonykor
16.Vásárhelyi Géza: Hajnali hó
17.Kányádi Sándor: Télelő
18.Kányádi Sándor: Tél

Line-up / Musicians
Gál Péter / violin, vocals
Jenei Szilveszter / guitar, mandolin, vocals
Margit József / bass, vocals
Salamon Beata / violin, vocals
Csávás Attila / wind instruments, viola
Drexler Zoltán / drums
Vereczkey Attila / keyboards, guitar, vocals
Kolbe Gábor / percussion, vocals

RATING:  8 / 10

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segunda-feira, 24 de setembro de 2012

*. Vytauto Kernagio Ansamblis .*

Album: Žvilgsnis Nuo Kalno (1986)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Rock/Folk)  /  Lithuania

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Gera žinoti iš anksto
02.Vakaras
03.Kai sirpsta vyšnios Suvalkijoj
04.Jau vasaris baigias
05.Žiūriu į grožį su ironija
06.Patogios, gražios
07.Kyla rūkas po nakties
08.Santechniko dainelė
09.Paukščiai

Line-up / Musicians
Vytautas Kernagis / Vocals, Piano, Whistle
Mindaugas Gabrys / Violin, Vocals
Marijus Šnaras / Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Viola, Horn, Chimes, Brass
Rita Mironaitė / Vocals
Gintaras Tilvytis / Flute, Accordion, Vocals
Robertas Griškevičius / Keyboards, Accordion
Arūnas Degutis / Bass Guitar, Helicon
Liudas Vaštakas / Percussion
Andrius Kulikauskas / Piano, Accordion, Vocals

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Angelo Branduardi .* (Remaster)

Album: La pulce d'acqua (1977)(Remaster 2009)
Genre: Prog Rock (Prog Folk)  /  Italy

CD 2 - The Universal Music Collection (Boxset 2009)

Angelo Branduardi is a classically trained violinist and composer, and while he has a fairly extensive and varied discography it's probably his mid-seventies work that is of most interest to fans of Italianate prog. On ''La Pulce d'Acqua'' he deploys novel combinations of unusual instruments in order to exploit the largely folk-styled music. It's a mainly song oriented album that mixes traditional elements with the splendour of early music; the combination of ethnic instruments and Renaissance/Baroque orchestral parts makes this a wonderfully rich experience. I think I'm correct in saying that an English version of the album (''Fables and Fantasies'') was also released, with lyrics by Pete Sinfield. Fast forwarding to the end of the album, closing track ''La Bella Dama Senza Pietà'' has a strong psychedelic feel with its blend of sitar and Middle Eastern-sounding strings. Elsewhere, Branduardi's symbiotic mix of traditional and modern bears exotic fruit thanks to a pool of talented musicians. Songs like ''Il Ciliegio'' and ''La Lepre Nella Luna'' have something of a West Coast feel, the former through its slide guitar and the latter due to its use of harmonica. But this album is principally based on Italian folk and ''La Sposa Rubata'' features pan pipes and violin, while the uptempo ''Il Poeta di Corte'' is fortified by its use of launeddas. The launeddas are traditional Italian pipes and they provide the main impetus for the album's largest scale piece, ''Ballo in Fa Diesis Minore'', where the two main themes interweave to uplifting effect. There was a Christmas tradition in Italy whereby mountain shepherds would visit the towns to play their bagpipes (zampogna) in return for food or in order to earn a little extra money. December was the month of the zampognari, the name given to the bagpipe players, and they heralded the arrival of Christmas and even featured in traditional Nativity scenes. So while Branduardi uses launeddas here rather than zampognas, along with the strings and other wind instruments they add to the festive feel of this track and make it sound quite seasonal. ''La Pulce d'Acqua'' pretty much epitomizes the folksier side of RPI, and should appeal to fans of acoustic music and chamber pop. Review by "seventhsojourn" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **FANTASTIC AUDIO QUALITY**

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*. Bucketheadland .* (3 Mini Albums 2012)

Album: Racks (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Avant/Art Rock/Metal/Jazz/Exp.)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing - Racks
01.The Snow Rabbit / 02.Telekinite / 03.Asbury Park Boardwalk / 04.Castle of Dr. Cadaver / 05.Sunbursts / 06.Chamber of Slunks / 07.Spiderwall / 08.Coffin for a Penny / 09.Fomahaut / 10.The Patrolman

***************************************
Album: March of the Slunks (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Avant/Art Rock/Metal/Jazz/Exp.)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing - March Of The Slunks
01.Magellan's Maze / 02.Burying Toys / 03.Malbert's Strut / 04.Happy Landing / 05.The Robot Who Lost Its Head / 06.Thud / 07.Satellite Invaders / 08.The Other Side of the Island / 09.Ghost Coop / 10.The Raid / 11.Vault

**************************************
Album: The Silent Picture Book (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Avant/Art Rock/Metal/Jazz/Exp.)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing - The Silent Picture Book
01.Dweller by the Dark Stream / 02.Blind Cyclops / 03.Flea Market / 04.Three Steps / 05.Beam of Omega / 06.Whirlirbird / 07.Ropelight / 08.Flashes / 09.Melting Man Part 2

RATING:  ???????????

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domingo, 23 de setembro de 2012

*. Kex .*

Album: Kex (1999)(Archives 1969-1971)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych./Blues/Folk)  /  Hungary

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Tiszta szivvel
02.Pirosmadar
03.Elszallt egy hajo a szelben
04.Deva var
05.Orszagut szelen
06.Budos sajt
07.Csalad
08.Csillagok
09.A hetedik
10.Zold-sarga, zolg-sarga

Line-up / Musicians
Baksa-Soós János / vocals, guitar
Bianki Iván / guitar
Doleviczényi Miklós / keyboards
Imre Attila / bass, vocals
Kisfaludy András / drums

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Dave Morgan & Richard Tandy .* (Remaster+Bonus)

Album: Earthrise (1986)(Remaster 2011 + 3 Bonus + 6 Bonus Version 2002)
Genre: Prog Rock (AOR/Synth Pop/Melodic Rock)  /  UK

Two names that should be familiar to Glory Daze readers are Richard Tandy and Dave Morgan. Both spent time in the Electric Light Orchestra, Tandy a member from the band's inception and former Magnum bassist Morgan joining the group in 1981. Following ELO's 'Time' tour in 1982, work began on 'Earthrise' based largely on home recordings by Morgan. In 1984 calling themselves 'R and D', the duo released a single called 'Berlin' which eventually evolved into the 'Earthrise' album. A second single 'Action!' was released although neither this song nor 'Berlin' appears on the LP. 'Earthrise' was available in the UK on FM Records and in the US on the tiny Straight Ahead label, both featuring different cover art. It was released on CD in 1992, again with different art work and different track listing, excluding one song from the original album. It is the US version on Straight Ahead we will be reviewing here. 'Earthrise' is a keyboard heavy record so don't expect any cello or violin ala ELO although there is some tasty guitar work to be found, including the appearance of Morgan's former Magnum mate-Tony Clarkin. A more acceptable comparison would be Planet P Project, Klaatu and Alan Parsons Project to be precise. Clearly a concept album, 'Zero Zero' opens 'Earthrise' with a poppy new wave inspired tune. Not a great start to be honest as it sounds rather dated. 'Third Planet' does have an ELO flavor, but it's the final three tracks on side one; 'Princeton', 'Pictures on My Pillow' and the lovely atmospheric ballad 'Secret' that hold side one together. The second side is a little more consistent kicking off with the Klaatu-like title track. 'Suddenly' returns to the pop sound of side one and could almost be a lost ELO tune circa 'Secret Messages'. Nice stuff. 'Caesar of the Galaxy' (left off the current CD reissue) will recall Alan Parson Project which is always a good thing, but the best song on the record is the closing 'Space Ship Earth' which I swear on heard on the radio back in the day. Great chorus and keyboard work highly reminiscent of Tandy & Morgan's day job in ELO. Overall a nice record and one of the better ELO related side projects I have had the pleasure to hear. The CD version is available on CD Baby and I recommend getting a copy if you like melodic concept albums. 
Review by "Eric" (www.glorydazemusic.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Rangda .*

Album: Formerly Extinct (2012)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Exp./Post)  /  USA

Rangda are an instrumental power trio comprised of guitarists Sir Richard Bishop (formerly of Sun City Girls) and Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire, Current 93) and drummer Chris Corsano (Björk, Six Organs of Admittance, Sunburned Hand of the Man). Their 2010 debut album, False Flag, was improvised and recorded on the spot. It wove together rock & roll's pyrotechnics, free jazz's harmonic and rhythmic instincts, and various world music influences. It was brash, kinetic, and musically fascinating -- if occasionally indulgent. Formerly Extinct is a much more formal album. Chasny and especially Bishop are deeply influenced by numerous styles of music from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions. The eight tunes -- collaboratively written by all the bandmembers -- call on these musical traditions often, but never get stuffy or sanctimonious. Formerly Extinct is first and foremost an instrumental rock & roll album. Check out the opener, "Idol's Eye"; its minor-key signature allows the impression that this is some Persian melody, but the dual leads and staccato picking, the big chord bridge, and the reverb and twang also suggest Dick Dale, the Ventures, and even early psychedelic rock. "Silver Nile," at just under 12 minutes, is the set's longest track; it begins as a slowly evolving drone-like melody that (very) eventually becomes an Eastern European-flavored dance tune with guitars wailing. "Plugged Nickel" uses a seemingly perpetual six-note riff with manic drumming from Corsano that explores the margins. The guitars eventually take to the fringes too. Chasny gets his best Comets on Fire freak squall on before Bishop's chords abandon the riff altogether, and creates a thundering processional out of it to close. "Manjun" has a labyrinthine lyric line that moves so far inside itself that it eventually collapses amid swells of percussion, feedback, and psych guitar wailing -- before it slips gears and begins with the original melody again, played more dramatically. The three-plus-minute "Night Porter" is riff-heavy guitar freakout at its best, with screaming six-strings meeting and answering one another as Corsano uses his entire kit to create not only tension but catharsis with finesse and power. Formerly Extinct is a striking improvement on its predecessor. It showcases both sides of the trio's prowess: Rangda's ability to improvise dynamically and also to compose compelling, creating mysterious tunes that cross genres with ease and acumen. Review by "Thom Jurek" (www.allmusic.com).

RATING:  6.75 / 10

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