*. AtmAsfera .*

Album: Internal (2012)
Genre: Prog Folk (Contemporary Folk/Ethno/World Music)  /  Ukraine

The percussion and voices of the "Intro" track clearly set the stage for Internal. Production of the strings, flute and percussion is notably sharper and richer. Vocals have been given a great treatment as well, literally jumping out of the mix. The first song, an epic, begins as a gorgeous ballad and is entitled "Where Should I Go." It is beautifually sung by Nastya in English. Joined by Yuliya's harmony, the "govinda" theme that recurs throughout the album is backed by saxophone and strings. Instrumentals build to a crescendo before the lovely second and keyboard-washed and acoustic guitar-style ballad passage of the song begins. It concludes with a powerful vocal passage. The percussive "Bala" is a brief upbeat track with a Celtic flair. The epic "Almost" is comprised of a gentle ballad that fills its first half and opens with an outstanding vocal segment. The tempo and intensity builds in the second half as woodwinds and deep percussion enter the mix backing layered the Yaremchuk sisters' vocal excursions, yet returns to the gentle arrangement of the song's beginning. A shorter radio edit of "Almost" is included as a bonus track on the disc. "Lonely Night" is a similarly constructed, somewhat warmer number with a delicate vocal passage within it, that also builds to a powerful instrumental and vocally rich conclusion. The centerpiece of Internal is the "Tetralogy Apocalypse" suite. Part I, entitled "War," is a tremendous track, a tightly arranged and performed percussive instrumental while Part II, another instrumental entitled "Inside," showcases an extended saxophone solo atop warm keyboard washes. Part III, a much more meditative vocal number, is entitled "Inspiration." The suite climaxes in Part IV, "Life," with lovely vocalise, flute, sax and acoustic guitar producing a bright arrangement that builds percussively. Whispers, lyrical passages and additional vocalise add great texture. The album concludes by wrapping up the themes developed earlier in the project into a cohesive whole in "Voice of the Wind." Listen for the perfect blend of AtmAsfera's instrumental range with their lovely vocal melodies. The album's three bonus tracks include a radio version of "Almost," as well as two more numbers. "Fly Away" is short and upbeat and percussive number laced with thick electric guitar, vast Celtic flute excursions and lovely English lyric vocal passages. In "Viva," (a song for UEFA Euro 2012), the band deliver a drum-intensive radio-friendly English lyric track designed for mass appeal. Watch the video online. AtmAsfera have stretched their boundaries while building momentum with Internal. The players are talented, tight and committed. With a well-defined and well-honed sound, the ensemble seems to be without limits. 
Review by "Russell W. Elliot" (www.musicaldiscoveries.com).

RATING:  8 / 10

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