tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55191264030110234762024-03-27T18:53:52.376-05:00Under the Radar MusicPurple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-34636865720413772882024-03-25T06:48:00.000-05:002024-03-25T06:48:30.175-05:00Seven Impale, Norway<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZabNIR8dqb93PcPKhVR9G2gTXWegi37E0fl5n82RlN9yXltEfnrQjsDMarrIof2VLt6iH9iZBgCJS9b3tfuk42HClzmzhidg10LAqHwwgJsI56zJ00I53souNJOsOmvTx-Xo_A6qislEC8EpomlwGRXa7E3tEKP5QU-uRcruSobR2G49XzLJP_ymr/s1334/338187752_243820244731635_3122965225658873864_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZabNIR8dqb93PcPKhVR9G2gTXWegi37E0fl5n82RlN9yXltEfnrQjsDMarrIof2VLt6iH9iZBgCJS9b3tfuk42HClzmzhidg10LAqHwwgJsI56zJ00I53souNJOsOmvTx-Xo_A6qislEC8EpomlwGRXa7E3tEKP5QU-uRcruSobR2G49XzLJP_ymr/s320/338187752_243820244731635_3122965225658873864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sevenimpale" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://sevenimpale.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Summit (2023)</p><p><b>Contrapasso (2016)</b></p><p>A much different take on progressive rock, Seven Impale adds metal elements and even electronics to the stew. Once you realize this will not be a retro prog effort, the results are just as satisfying as the debut. One can see why this album isn't as highly rated, but I enjoy them the same, though they're obviously very different in their approach. One of those albums you know needs more listens to properly absorb.</p><p>---3/24/24</p><p><b>City of the Sun (2014)</b></p><p>Seven Impale's debut is a dense work recalling Van der Graaf Generator and King Crimson, with a more contemporary vocal style. A somewhat typical modern take on 70s prog rock, borderline impenetrable, but ultimately satisfying.</p><p>---5/5/22</p><p>6/16/23 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-71760060796205471472024-03-24T07:43:00.000-05:002024-03-24T07:43:43.123-05:00Elephant9, Norway<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeThCahLbDo0DpBUya0vsREak79S-UcePWQd_FHDG_nPjkLnYJkF2TRnBeeeontnSoToAMJU5oNnJdkfRV6ArNdZA5qcJDtF5TW6I94o5FRjLM1ICUeXsc2QkNBkB2upm4TI3Nqu-j-1sVglMNNnKkwVCXTH6o2rT62E5RCtgiF2upJMdLdhl9eXyK5NM/s700/a3538669502_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeThCahLbDo0DpBUya0vsREak79S-UcePWQd_FHDG_nPjkLnYJkF2TRnBeeeontnSoToAMJU5oNnJdkfRV6ArNdZA5qcJDtF5TW6I94o5FRjLM1ICUeXsc2QkNBkB2upm4TI3Nqu-j-1sVglMNNnKkwVCXTH6o2rT62E5RCtgiF2upJMdLdhl9eXyK5NM/s320/a3538669502_16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jazz rock; Krautrock styled<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/elephant9music/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://elephant9band.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest album: Mythical River (2024). Release date: April 19.</p><p><b>Silver Mountain (2015)</b></p><p>For the opener ‘Occidentali’, take 1969 era Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Soft Machine. Roll them up tight in a ball, and then have Wolfgang Dauner’s Et Cetera play that imaginary music. <i>Get your attention, did I?</i> Not sure I’ve ever heard those 4 names tossed together in the same breath. This is followed by a Stevie Wonder cover tune, as driven by the same above parameters. OK then. Not that you’ll actually recognize the tune, as it’s about as psychedelic interpreted as it can possibly get. There’s also this strange 1971 vintage Tangerine Dream quality about these two compositions. Like a long form ‘Ultima Thule’ if that makes sense. As the ladies of HGTV like to often say, these 2 songs are <i>ahh-MAY-ZING</i>. ‘Abhartach’ is a bit too much though, and ear fatigue begins to set in. It reminds me of those modern Japanese bands where they never seem to know when to quit. Redlining it all the time is tiresome. Though experience tells me there's a contingent of those who feel "too much of a good thing, is a good thing", so you'll probably love this track too. ‘Kungsten’ starts out similar, and it’s time to find the fast forward button. But by the 7 minute mark, the band slows it back down to atmospheric keyboards, psychedelic moods, and jam sequences. This is clearly where Elephant9 shines, on this effort anyway. The last 2 minutes brings back the energy of the prelude, though its placement here is far more effective. Finale ‘The Above Ground Sound’ recalls ‘Occidentali’ mixed with ‘Kungsten’. Once again Dungen’s guitarist Reine Fiske is on board, and his decidedly acid guitar tone adds much to the overall psychedelic stew. Vintage keyboards, primarily organ, electric piano, and mellotron, are still the focus here. Overall, Silver Mountain is certainly Elephant9’s most experimental album to date, though no less worthy. Four albums in, and Elephant9 have yet to disappoint. They are by far, IMHO, the best band on the Rune Grammofon label.</p><p>---3/26/17</p><p>2/26/13 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-15553546823970653912024-03-17T09:09:00.000-05:002024-03-17T09:09:44.075-05:00Tarot, Australia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59DqaZDyofcKVkpxXt3v1kc2M1ihVEMK5byGdsD9Wgjyc5HcYgHjecmeqB-SLMYwyyRWxSMr5Zf4bX7yZTcMV7OBRIdUGYLfJ6Kttb_KhT14a1BvrASpvhZLlFHOlQdfytNHpCqByS3JuP8D3gL2luDGwkE1dhN_iysYFMsFfoUeO72Uoy5z1o56wvCc/s960/360103957_750028833793128_776777100880075648_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="960" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59DqaZDyofcKVkpxXt3v1kc2M1ihVEMK5byGdsD9Wgjyc5HcYgHjecmeqB-SLMYwyyRWxSMr5Zf4bX7yZTcMV7OBRIdUGYLfJ6Kttb_KhT14a1BvrASpvhZLlFHOlQdfytNHpCqByS3JuP8D3gL2luDGwkE1dhN_iysYFMsFfoUeO72Uoy5z1o56wvCc/s320/360103957_750028833793128_776777100880075648_n.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive hard rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tarotaus" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://hcrtarot.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest album: Glimpse of the Dawn (2024). Release date: April 12</p><p><b>Reflections (2016)</b></p><p>Tarot's first album (or the compilation of cassette EP's as it were) was a great opener that had a unique blend: The music of the early 80s epic metal bands as played by 1971 era Uriah Heep.<br /><br />Reflections sounds like 1974 era Uriah Heep. Period. End of story. Not the best period of that fine band now is it?<br /><br />I'm all for the newer bands recreating the past, with history on their side to filter out only the best parts that have aged well to modern ears. But we don't necessarily need to rehash the past verbatim either. Is the third album going to be straight AOR, followed by a disco album, and then synth-pop maybe?<br /><br />OK, I'm sure that isn't going to happen. And this is a very good album without context. But I was hoping for more dynamic output. Reflections is a bit ordinary to be honest. Interestingly, I found the vocals to be an improvement on the debut. They had to do something, though as I've read elsewhere, not everyone agrees with the execution.</p><p>---12/29/16</p><p><b>The Warrior's Spell (2015)</b></p><p>Tarot's first full album compiles 3 cassette EP's from 2014 onto one album, and adds two new tracks in the middle for good measure. The songwriting is epic metal similar to Mark of the Beast era Manilla Road (1981) as played by 1971 Uriah Heep (mellotron, Hammond organ, hard guitar). So this is what is now known as "heavy rock" but with the spirit of a metal band. I wish the vocals to be more dynamic, and they tend to be a bit monotone (at least he sings and doesn't growl or grunt!). A small quibble really. I'm not sure I can hear enough bands who sound like this. I want more. <i>Lots more</i>.</p><p>---4/27/15</p><p>4/27/15 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-9284239527493965762024-02-18T16:51:00.001-06:002024-02-20T15:59:11.259-06:00Quantum Fantay, Belgium<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIg8a2OOfLBM8B8BU9-xEwf428dhz8i3ForNmmMD6q3wDVpKl1qB-Lg20LGodJY3eD9Fd8_43F9X0nOX-JDTwpZA3bJfl93zKRWu9uAMK9eJ_QjOmm9d8zLYxBwrykePefgwa-BiiQ5Q0wrXOmtMfVFgjnGrmeYU-X9r5FYzdNN0xOlTWlCMfz5Ozn6s/s975/0019268290_100.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="975" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIg8a2OOfLBM8B8BU9-xEwf428dhz8i3ForNmmMD6q3wDVpKl1qB-Lg20LGodJY3eD9Fd8_43F9X0nOX-JDTwpZA3bJfl93zKRWu9uAMK9eJ_QjOmm9d8zLYxBwrykePefgwa-BiiQ5Q0wrXOmtMfVFgjnGrmeYU-X9r5FYzdNN0xOlTWlCMfz5Ozn6s/w400-h74/0019268290_100.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />UK Festival styled psych; Space rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuantumFantay" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://quantumfantay.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest album: Yemaya Orisha (2019). New album will be titled Oneironauts and is scheduled for sometime in 2024.</p><p><b>Yemaya Orisha (2019)</b></p><p>Quantum Fantay proved to be one of my favorite bands of the 2010's, perfectly capturing everything I like about the Ozric Tentacles sound. They filtered out the reggae and lengthy ambient pieces, while going for the throat on high octane space rock. Yemaya Orisha is their 8th, and to date, last studio album. By now I just have too much of this kind of thing, and I'm weeding some out. But I'm not sure though if any of the Quantum Fantay's will be touched. The opening title track could be considered "typical" (but still very good) and I was thinking this may have been one purchase too many. But 'Mami Wata' packs a wallop, and hits all their trademarked qualities: Ferocious guitar chords, flute melodies, synthesizers galore, and insane rhythmic work. They maintain this pace on 'Riddles of the Sphinx'. By now the last two tracks could be country and I wouldn't care. But of course they're not - just more Quantum Fantay goodness. It's highly likely I stop here with the band - presuming they continue - unless it's essentially given to me. But what a run they had for 15 years.</p><p>---11/24/22</p><p><b>Tessellation of Euclidian Space (2017)</b></p><p>Their 7th album is, to date (2024), the only album by Quantum Fantay that I didn't connect with. It's more ambient / electronic, and can get clubby in places. I think 3) is really great and 5) also captured my imagination. There's some space whisper Gong and Pink Floyd references this go round too. I can't blame the band for wanting to extend their palette of sound, but it doesn't always work for each listener. For some, this may be their best effort. At this stage, it's the only album by them I don't plan on keeping.</p><p>---2/18/24</p><p><b>Dancing in Limbo (2015)</b></p><p><span itemprop="description">Quantum Fantay have always been a Masters Class course at the Ozric Tentacles University. And on their 6th studio effort, Dancing in Limbo, yet another thesis has been proposed and accepted. So much so, that the professor himself - one Ed Wynne - even guests on the album! If you're the sort that appreciates Ozric Tentacles most in full blown space rock mode with fiery guitar solos and fluttering flute, meanwhile constantly twisting and turning with jumpy rhythms, then Quantum Fantay will certainly blow your socks off. I'm of that sort, and my socks are missing. Dancing in Limbo earns Quantum Fantay yet another "A"</span>.</p><p>---11/4/15</p><p><b>Terragaia (2014)</b></p><p>So exactly how would Quantum Fantay follow up the brilliant Bridges of Kukuriku? It would take four years to find out, but the band has finally reappeared with Terragaia, and the CD (that's right - a CD - remember those?) is housed in a fine triple fold out digi-pak. I would say that Quantum Fantay have found themselves back to their roots of Ozric Tentacles' inspired space rock. Unfortunately, there aren't any of the hair raising, head turning moments of the last two albums to be found. However, let's not get carried away and start pointing fingers as if this is some kind of failed effort. Hardly. The music here is as brilliant as Ugisiunsi, but with a distinct Middle Eastern and Chinese theme running throughout the melodies (and some snippets of Caribbean and Celtic music too). There's so much to admire about Quantum Fantay in the studio - and their variation of the Gong You era is as fine as anyone as ever realized, including Ozric Tentacles themselves. So what you have is the usual fiery guitar solos, flute overlays, bubbling synthesizers, and hyperactive rhythms that you expect - and want - from the genre. Quantum Fantay are <i>money</i>, man. I'm already looking forward to the next release!<br /></p><p>---6/27/14</p><p><b>Bridges of Kukuriku (2010)</b></p><p>I've been a fan of Quantum Fantay since their first album. All are very good variations on the Ozric Tentacles sound. But I wasn't prepared for the greatness that is Bridges of Kukuriku. Everything about this album is exponentially better than prior efforts (and that's saying something). Whether it's the production (listen to the panning from speaker to speaker as if Dieter Dirks himself took the controls), the instrumental interplay (crisp and tight), the energy level (extremely kinetic) - or just the general exoticism surrounding the compositions. And this has <i class="rymfmt">real</i> melodies, something you can actually latch onto and remember, rather than just a technical exercise in musical theory. The amazing transition from 'Follow the Star' (track 2) to 'Shiver Moments' (track 3) and the subsequent blitzkrieg of said track practically gave me a stroke. Music like this is truly exciting, as you never know what will happen next, and yet it still rocks hard in a psychedelic way. Ozric has never come close to fully realizing an album like this. We're in the rarefied territory of those Finnish groups Hidria Spacefolk and Taipuva Luotisuora. This album is absolutely brilliant and will most certainly be considered one of my personal favorite albums of the entire 2010 decade.</p><p>---9/14/12</p><p><b>Kaleidothrope (2009)</b></p><p>After the great success of Ugisiunsi, Quantum Fantay return with Kaleidothrope... ...and serve notice that they are serious and are here to stay. The jumpy sequencers, fluttering flute, hyperactive rhythm section, and - best of all - pyrotechnical psychedelic guitar work, are here in abundance. All of this while never forgetting that melody is truly important to a great composition. Not to mention the constant shifting of themes, meters, and dynamics. Final track 'Telepathy' is a monster and needs to be heard by all. And to think they would actually improve on their next album. Wow! If there's a criticism of Quantum Fantay, it's that they veer too close to Ozric Tentacles. And while that may hold true, one should know that it's more like Ozric extract: All the good stuff is filtered in while leaving the chaff out.</p><p>---9/14/12</p><p><b>Ugisiunsi (2007)</b></p><p>While the debut Agapanthusterra could be considered another Ozric album, the sophomore effort Ugisiunsi utilizes to a greater extent other music vehicles like flute (in more abundance than the debut), sequencer based electronics, and haunting wordless female voice, thus adding color to the usual guitar / keyboard rave-ups. The guitarist (from Srdjan 'Sergio' Vucic, in his only stint with the band) adds some metal crunch at times, recalling the Dutch group Kong. And the solos are Ed Wynne-esque in their intensity. Like Hidria Spacefolk (Finland), Quantum Fantay also display a penchant for progressive rock themes and complexities – something that Ozric did more frequently in their past with songs like ‘White Rhino Tea’. Tracks like 'Snowballs in Ghostlands' show Quantum Fantay were capable of writing beautiful melodies as well - moving beyond the usual <i>"if you can't find it, grind it"</i> mentality. At this point in their career, Quantum Fantay looked to be a major force in the space rock circuit. And as it turns out, they ended up being just that.</p><p>---9/12/12</p><p><b>Agapanthusterra (2005)</b></p><p>Agapanthusterra is Quantum Fantay's most Ozric Tentacles-like album - right down to the reggae bits. That said, the compositions are entirely unique and offer one more perspective of an already great formula. On this debut, Quantum Fantay were a four piece with synthesizers, bass, drums and flute. Guitars were performed by a guest of the band (who would later join as a full time member on their 3rd album Kaleidothrope), but despite this designation his participation here remains a centerpiece to their overall sound. Best tracks are the heaviest rocking pieces 'Lantanasch' and 'Chase the Dragon'. Worth noting that the final track 'Amoevha' is hidden and not listed on the CD itself.</p><p>---9/11/12</p><p>9/14/12 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-72662233699661844092024-02-18T08:35:00.000-06:002024-02-18T08:35:08.794-06:00Lucifer Was, Norway<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWWpvce5OLB5Ra3FZ4qKuQGwdtDZu0oA_EVbt5nN3RZX8yC6FW_HoeVQKllX5hsn1Yi_TPQTKNbAbFQlyKgYGmbMvRV96SBbN7gQm0K14PzU2FEVUEOILqdpPIhpqWtZdV3kLQMslmwTiU4XxL2HyBWw-3Zp_E61nsrBWr6-7gxNsK11KVIsSbEs2CYI/s1000/68629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWWpvce5OLB5Ra3FZ4qKuQGwdtDZu0oA_EVbt5nN3RZX8yC6FW_HoeVQKllX5hsn1Yi_TPQTKNbAbFQlyKgYGmbMvRV96SBbN7gQm0K14PzU2FEVUEOILqdpPIhpqWtZdV3kLQMslmwTiU4XxL2HyBWw-3Zp_E61nsrBWr6-7gxNsK11KVIsSbEs2CYI/s320/68629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Heavy prog<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lucifer-Was-100063702814474/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://luciferwas.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: En Fix Ferdig Mann (2024). To be released Mar 15.</p><p>I've heard about three of their albums (including their first two) but don't currently own any. No notes either. I need to revisit.</p><p>2/18/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-85986328849184246602024-02-18T08:23:00.002-06:002024-02-18T08:23:53.424-06:00Kerrs Pink, Norway<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BgPichetUuXYBvh6MMjsXibIZviuUTtFXPLEgJI6bnxbnrXj2SyIwqwxmR_hk7OjpRvExorHIeSUkBox9d8nHTr6KHURCUmyZfJxGUmBg0VLjlvtYR1HxVJ2QRhOupYBRveyAVnH_6RfWmkIkOJ7UqajzXk9BbTiBJ0Q3hVpBtNY4_aqqFgS9vwkni4/s500/514785588461140398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BgPichetUuXYBvh6MMjsXibIZviuUTtFXPLEgJI6bnxbnrXj2SyIwqwxmR_hk7OjpRvExorHIeSUkBox9d8nHTr6KHURCUmyZfJxGUmBg0VLjlvtYR1HxVJ2QRhOupYBRveyAVnH_6RfWmkIkOJ7UqajzXk9BbTiBJ0Q3hVpBtNY4_aqqFgS9vwkni4/s320/514785588461140398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kerrspinkofficial/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://kerrspink.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Historical Blunders EP (2024)</p><p>I think the last thing I heard by these guys was Mellom Oss (1981). Maybe I've fallen a bit behind... I do own their first album (1980) on CD but didn't pen any notes.</p><p>2/18/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-54627509734927494692024-02-11T06:48:00.004-06:002024-02-20T16:01:42.241-06:00Trettioåriga Kriget, Sweden<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7EIqlqwAMiSzr1OCJUSbzmtRNHt6K42ldH4XHj9AmHaZ6u3aem0R_CMqLlhiNIMOjWulRLcn8ilSK5qMdckLcnjAVBPmNiCUfVbQk3RsSveBMQbExlzoQaJ1Q0GHszFOFSlqwHhh2mXz3uKkFqHWgYkywZROJhwmEmmsIhlxxlqIH7jNR9cPlN9S0us/s912/164236596_220630699440299_9205815146147790607_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7EIqlqwAMiSzr1OCJUSbzmtRNHt6K42ldH4XHj9AmHaZ6u3aem0R_CMqLlhiNIMOjWulRLcn8ilSK5qMdckLcnjAVBPmNiCUfVbQk3RsSveBMQbExlzoQaJ1Q0GHszFOFSlqwHhh2mXz3uKkFqHWgYkywZROJhwmEmmsIhlxxlqIH7jNR9cPlN9S0us/s320/164236596_220630699440299_9205815146147790607_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/trettioariga/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://trettioarigakriget.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Latest release: Till Horisonten (2021)</div><div><br /></div><div>After 50 years, Trettioåriga Kriget are still going strong and playing live in 2024. Incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Efter Efter (2011)</b><br />
<br />
I've felt that all three of the 2000+ era Trettioariga Kriget albums have been very good. These are not clueless reunions or cheap cash-ins, but rather answer the question:"What would have TK sounded like after Krigssang in today's world?" Very few bands are able to capture the original spirit of their youth, while still possessing a keen understanding of modern times. It's unfortunate that more groups from the early 70s couldn't accomplish the same feat. And now time is running out.<br />
<br />
So bravo to Trettioariga Kriget for yet another splendid effort. For my money, Efter Efter is the finest of the latter trilogy. Even closer to their 1974-1976 work. For my tastes, their debut is a Top 10 ever album, and while they don't come close to that greatness here, it's still nice to hear an intelligent and relevant effort. </div><div><br /></div><div>---12/20/11</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hej På Er (1978)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1978 was a tough year for mainstream progressive rock bands in general. And while Trettioåriga Kriget were hardly a household name here in the States, they certainly were well known back home in Sweden. To survive, the expectation was for a band to produce a hit record of some sort. It's pop, punk, and disco - and a global plague of ADD. No more long journeys into the netherworld to sit back and contemplate. And Trettioåriga Kriget's first two brilliant albums are just that, showcasing an imaginative and talented band. So what's a group like this to do? Compromise. And honestly, Trettioåriga Kriget did about as good a job as anyone in accomplishing this. Had everyone followed this blueprint, prog rock may have indeed survived longer than it did. But most were hapless at trying (and leading lights Yes and ELP certainly turned in their respective clunkers for the year). Hej På Er balances straightforward rock with deceptively complex progressive music in compact form. It's not perfect of course, and the first two tracks are pretty bland. As if they were trying to fool the coked out record execs, and hoping they'd leave before the good stuff began playing. It's not a monster album naturally, but it's accomplished and not something to apologize for. It's instantly recognizable as a Trettioåriga Kriget album, but a bit more diluted. Something akin to a double IPA being reduced to a lager.</div><div><br /></div><div>---9/27/17</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Trettioåriga Kriget (1974)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Though Sweden had a healthy psychedelic progressive movement in the early 70s, Trettioariga Kriget (or the more proper spelling Trettioåriga Kriget) added a large dose of frenetic heaviness into the mix, and arguably laid down the ultimate Swedish progressive rock blueprint. Sounding like a weird mutant of Led Zeppelin and Yes, the music starts off in a ferocious manner and never truly lets up. A quartet of two guitars, bass, and drums, Trettioariga Kriget is one of the most exciting rides at the progressive rock theme park. There are no traditional keyboards, but plenty of mellotron to add an eerie feeling to the proceedings. And that gets us to vocalist Robert Zima. He has quite the pipes and can scream with the best of them. But it's the Swedish lyrics that are front and center. When I say Swedish, I mean with a capital S. The language plays a critical key role into the overall sound of Trettioariga Kriget, which is why they were the forbearers of the Swedish retro prog movement that ultimately led to Anglagard, Landberk, and the rest of them. Zima is an unlikely hero in this case, given that he himself was from Vienna, Austria! No matter, he went to high school with most of the band, and clearly mastered the language. It's really hard to pick a favorite, as every track is a 5 star winner, but I'd go with 'Röster Från Minus Till Plus' which encapsulates their overall sound best.</div><div><br /></div><div>---8/22/21</div><div><br /></div><div>12/20/11 (new entry)</div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-39954691566092102592024-02-10T09:02:00.001-06:002024-02-20T16:02:07.485-06:00Rhùn, France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaIDIC8Y1XKwEKv_j82MKDmZ3o-BQytgwtmCN4l6POojFOHYQdXvSqIrqW3vfr8VycdsUezNaHf2SdcEv9ruQu2q7P0Lpxm5x6J-jttk-XabWnmOk_Q_qnJv6iBafBCKRYOJDVMCh3Fe3E_zNPQGs2aBQTFcBghQR8bip_JT6uTLsF1L7zrZDmlQRQeM/s1488/421011122_934337848092742_323013430369048537_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaIDIC8Y1XKwEKv_j82MKDmZ3o-BQytgwtmCN4l6POojFOHYQdXvSqIrqW3vfr8VycdsUezNaHf2SdcEv9ruQu2q7P0Lpxm5x6J-jttk-XabWnmOk_Q_qnJv6iBafBCKRYOJDVMCh3Fe3E_zNPQGs2aBQTFcBghQR8bip_JT6uTLsF1L7zrZDmlQRQeM/s320/421011122_934337848092742_323013430369048537_n.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />Zeuhl; Jazz rock <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rhunfanfareduchaos/">Facebook</a></div><div>
<br />
<a href="https://rhunmusic.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>
</div><div><br /></div><div>Latest album: Tozzos (2024). Scheduled to be released Mar 8.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a decade of silence, Rhun has become very active and are releasing their second album in as many years.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fanfare du Chaos (2013)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Like Caillou, Rhun are a new French band that fits squarely into the Zeuhl tradition. While Caillou were looking outward to the jazz side of the medium, Rhun sits very comfortably with the master creator of the genre itself: Magma. There are both jazz and classical references presented on Fanfare du Chaos, a CD from AltRock that combines the previous year's EP (first 3 tracks) with a 2008 unreleased demo (last 3). The music is rough and tumble for the most part, with the expected operatic Kobaian used as the vehicular language. Soft flute and bassoon are often juxtaposed against a blitzkrieg of fuzz bass, electric guitar, pounding drums, and squealing sax. Hard to imagine fans of both 1001 Centigrades and Mekanik era Magma - as well as the great Weidorje - not lapping this one up. It's a straight play for the hearts of traditional Zeuhl fans everywhere, of which I'm one. And they succeed for the most part. Rhun fortunately avoids the excess of modern bands such as early Koenji Hyakkei and second album Scherzoo, though I wouldn't mind if they traded a few of those pure noise improvisational parts (especially some of the atonal sax squonks) for actual songwriting. This is a band with tremendous potential. Let's see where they go next.</div><div><br /></div><div>---12/14/13</div><div><br /></div><div>12/14/13 (new entry)</div><div class="thumbnail_1RxJB" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Nimbus Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; grid-area: 1 / 1 / 3 / 2; text-align: center;"><div class="more_8jbxp"><a class="link_1ctor link_33If6" href="https://www.discogs.com/release/27385560-Rh%C3%B9n-Toz%C3%AFh/image/SW1hZ2U6OTYzODYxNjY=" hreflang="en" style="color: #2653d9; display: inline-block; text-decoration-line: none;"><div class="image_3rzgk bezel_2NSgk" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 0; position: relative;"><picture></picture></div></a></div></div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-4735251118716435962024-02-08T10:55:00.001-06:002024-02-20T16:02:25.206-06:00Kikagaku Moyo, Japan<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt3Q70cNyP5lZ_0JqMtqUuaI9TVHDcoKKCKMTIs5WuCoPP_6TdAVz_oWl1rkbNqdVzWvf-P1HDr2qo6ys6HECZvybfCzJidcREU_94Ew13rqHvYpQVGxVlX4FL5Bw7-vt7jA46cFobE83Ah0PrL_IZAW_0NoAXA9YiyCFvf-lqulycT_Njb-9-3188uE/s975/0006327226_100.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="975" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt3Q70cNyP5lZ_0JqMtqUuaI9TVHDcoKKCKMTIs5WuCoPP_6TdAVz_oWl1rkbNqdVzWvf-P1HDr2qo6ys6HECZvybfCzJidcREU_94Ew13rqHvYpQVGxVlX4FL5Bw7-vt7jA46cFobE83Ah0PrL_IZAW_0NoAXA9YiyCFvf-lqulycT_Njb-9-3188uE/w320-h76/0006327226_100.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Heavy psych; Krautrock styled</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kikagakumoyo">Facebook</a><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="http://geometricpatterns.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a><br /><br />
</div><div>Latest release: Hasenheide (2024) archival from 2016.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kikagaku Moyo (2013)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Kikagaku Moyo is Japanese for Geometric Patterns, and is a perfectly fitting name for this promising up and coming psychedelic space rock group from Tokyo. Fantastic artwork adorns the cover and is appropriate for the music within. According to the label, Kikagaku Moyo set out to recreate the magic sounds of the early 1970s Japanese underground. From this listener's perspective there cannot possibly be enough bands to attempt that! Kikagaku Moyo have done an admirable job of creating that unique Oriental atmosphere (by way of Eastern scales, Japanese wind instruments, and sitar), while adding layers of strummed acoustic guitar, anguished wah wah guitar solos, echoed female narration, pounding drums, and theremin. And while the goal may have been to recreate the music of four decades ago, there is no mistaking this to be a modern recording - especially when you consider the slabs of fuzz distortion that come blasting from the speakers. Have no fear, Kikagaku Moyo are a million miles away from Stoner Metal. As well, there are no unhinged solos ala Acid Mothers Temple that would have you screaming STOP! and running from the room in seconds. This is indeed the underground of the 70s, the world of bands like Far Out, Far East Family Band, Love Live Life + One, and Genshi Kyodotai. Time is taken to create the hazy atmosphere, but musical climaxes are delivered at just the right time - similar to the 70s masters. Probably the 90s Japanese band Ghost is a good guidepost, but I feel Kikagaku Moyo has already surpassed them in quality. This is an exciting new band that I hope we will hear more from soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>---12/4/13</div><div><br /></div><div>12/4/13 (new entry)</div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-43335212210820456692024-02-06T08:02:00.001-06:002024-02-20T16:06:00.498-06:00Deus Ex Machina, Italy ***Inactive***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAL7uL8Zwy50UCMkQtfKlykwIjOHpBByceNgdFBIZcM9mroV8CTqo3LITl6KShztYEyP2nW4_D8BQ_9X8qIvOPxpsJ8s7EgYKANOdW6bSgXWVazmAtw6bzx4IoWLc-24E9bTC7f0CM8BIw23waUqkvDmuwOdZKOC0j5zGSIAkxsp0zNZrfkv6GthrO8s/s600/R-8859436-1470255197-3006.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAL7uL8Zwy50UCMkQtfKlykwIjOHpBByceNgdFBIZcM9mroV8CTqo3LITl6KShztYEyP2nW4_D8BQ_9X8qIvOPxpsJ8s7EgYKANOdW6bSgXWVazmAtw6bzx4IoWLc-24E9bTC7f0CM8BIw23waUqkvDmuwOdZKOC0j5zGSIAkxsp0zNZrfkv6GthrO8s/s320/R-8859436-1470255197-3006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock; Hard rock<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/devoto"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/deusexmachinait/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<br />Latest release: Devoto (2016)</div><div><br /></div><div>Deux Ex Machina don't appear to have any new activity since 2018.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Devoto (2016)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Deus Ex Machina go back to their hard rocking roots on Devoto. It's a surprising return to form, especially for a band who had dabbled in more academic avant prog waters for such a long time. Hard rock guitar, crunchy organ, shredding violin, a driving rhythm section, and the Demetrios Stratos-like soaring Italian vocals of Alberto Piras, define this fine album. It's not dumbo hard rock either, but very much the complex sound of the early 70s. Truth be told, classic Italian prog was always more heavy than ever given credit for. Even bands like Area and Arti+Mestieri kicked out the jams once in awhile. If you listen to the early Deus Ex Machina albums, this is the sound you'll find, except now with more vintage gear in tow. Devoto is about as grimy, nasty, and dirty-under-the-fingernails as you'll ever hear on the refined Cuneiform label. My kind of album.</div><div><br /></div><div>---9/2/16</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cinque (2002)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>When this album was released there was an air of disappointment among the prog rock set that I associated with. I can't recall the discussions as to why. Even for myself, I had it the lowest rated of their seven studio albums (as of 2024). This was their first album to be released on Cuneiform, which had a much larger global footprint than the regional Italian label Kaliphonia. Maybe we all wanted too much from it? I'm not sure, but in retrospect, I hear it no different than its predecessor. It's a fine mix of complex prog rock and driving hard rock. I think sometimes the latter was off putting to my peers. It's just this element that has aged well for me. One interesting real-time review from Brazil on RYM states: "Too much American publicity. It's not that good." Maybe that also captured the mood from an international perspective. For bands that I have multiple albums of, I usually can find a few representative works, and ditch the rest. Not sure Deus Ex Machina has any weak spots. At this point, I hear all seven as essential.</div><div><br /></div><div>---2/5/24</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Equilibrismo da Insofferenza (1998)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In 1998, Deus Ex Machina were one of those bands that myself and my running set were tracking real time. Their first three albums were all excellent, and they seemed to improve with each release. I had the pleasure of seeing them live in 1996 and they didn't disappoint there either. So there was much anticipation when Equilibrismo da Insofferenza was released. And boy, did it pack the WOW factor! They had streamlined their sound further, added even more complexity, while bringing forth a more mature songwriting approach. Not to mention a much better, more retro styled production. For 1998, it seemed to be their best effort yet, and one of the finest prog albums for the entire year - a sentiment shared by many at the time. 22 years later, and that impact has diminished somewhat. The music is dense, with tons of stop/start moments while Piras continued to push the boundaries of the Demetrio Stratos styled vocal gymnastics. And now he's singing in his native Italian verse Latin - which remains a plus in my book. Truth be told, I didn't remember much about the album going into revisit. And I don't remember much about it afterward - and it was only three weeks ago! When reflecting on Deus Ex Machina's best songs, it's starting to emerge that their sophomore effort is their most accomplished, and the one album the band relies on more for their live repertoire. The 90s tinny production was more the issue considering that release. There is an exception to everything I said above - and it's very significant: 'Cosmopolitismo Centimetropolitano' may very well be the single finest track (ever) to marry hard rock and avant prog. And it <i>is</i> memorable. It never stops driving forward, with one of the all time great guitar riffs combined with complex rhythms. And Piras has never been better than here. It was this one song that I think propelled it as one of the great albums in my mind. And for 10 and a half minutes, it most certainly is. For the other hour not so much. Is it Deus Ex Machina's best album? It may still very well be. We'll see how the other albums fare on further revisits.</div><div><br /></div><div>---11/13/20</div><div><br /></div><div><b>De Republica (1995)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I bought this album upon release, and played it quite a bit through the time I saw them live in 1996. And I don't think I've heard it since. 22 years later, my opinion remains unchanged, though I recalled little about it as I listen again. The rhythm section along with Alberto Piras' Demetrios Stratus imitation is what really makes it work. Not very melodic, but definitely rocks hard despite the complexity.</div><div><br /></div><div>---12/20/18</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Deus Ex Machina (1993)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I feel sometimes that this album, Deus Ex Machina's second offering, is the forgotten work in their canon. Since much of their live repertoire is taken from this album, it appears to contain their strongest material from a composition standpoint - at least as the band sees it. The execution isn't as crisp, and the sound quality isn't dynamic (a bit of a flat digital sound - typical of early 1990s albums). Singer Alberto Piras demonstrates here what a force he was to become. A very good album that has aged well and I feel a slight improvement on their chaotic and unfocused debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>---3/13/11</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gladium Caeli (1991)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Deus Ex Machina burst onto the progressive rock scene in 1991 with their debut Gladium Caeli. When me and my running set acquired this CD real time, it was quite the revelation - and not easy to handle honestly. I've often referred to this album as chaotic and unfocused. But it's probably been 25 years since I last heard it, when it was found hiding deep in the collection. And after all that time, my conclusion is...<br /><br />...it's chaotic and unfocused. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you. Deus Ex Machina draw just as much influence from 70s hard rock as they do from progressive rock. And that's a fine mix as far as I'm concerned. There's some long form guitar jamming here that certainly recall Led Zeppelin or even Deep Purple. The vocals are one of many unique twists - Alberto Piras being one of the marvels of the Italian prog renaissance. His idol was none other than Demetrio Stratos of Area, and to add even more distinction, he sings in Latin! Most of the album was ignored by the band for later stage shows, and it's easy to see why, as they lack the kind of memorable hooks one seeks to hear in a live setting. One exception to this is 'Ignis ab Caelo', sometimes referred to simply as 'Ignis'. For awhile the band played a truncated version of 'Dialeghan' arguably the album's finest track, and most certainly the fieriest. There are no major peaks here, but everything is at least very good. It's a fine first effort, released at a time when progressive rock was just rolling again. It was well received, and they would improve leaps and bounds from here. And yet I find this album just as enjoyable, rough and tumble as it may be.</div><div><br /></div><div>---5/9/19</div><div><br /></div><div>9/2/16 (new entry)<br /></div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-13881040006419908502024-02-05T16:23:00.002-06:002024-02-20T16:06:16.480-06:00Polis, Germany<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EMOzBS-28LdQMBJeI8zgsA6NhyW4cX6jlC62eXWt0pnT70xsPEb6E0uTpi8iGwVW2FZq-XikwzCqmOBB_oSfVhhSRI-4tJi1-BwubK0SYzMzrUjZ4E2niTBcjqD0gcj_P6fwEGFjQDzSKod9cX6lfbpQJs2MF8OSla9c6IIWZ5H-baoTQZOPwywEPGw/s344/162545346_124952649638503_6393349377953093990_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EMOzBS-28LdQMBJeI8zgsA6NhyW4cX6jlC62eXWt0pnT70xsPEb6E0uTpi8iGwVW2FZq-XikwzCqmOBB_oSfVhhSRI-4tJi1-BwubK0SYzMzrUjZ4E2niTBcjqD0gcj_P6fwEGFjQDzSKod9cX6lfbpQJs2MF8OSla9c6IIWZ5H-baoTQZOPwywEPGw/s320/162545346_124952649638503_6393349377953093990_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Heavy prog<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/polisband.de" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://polisklang.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Unterwegs 1 (2023)</p><p><b>Weitklang (2020)</b></p><p>Funny to see the name of Polis, as that's the name of our current governor here in Colorado. I'm guessing it's a German word meaning "raise your taxes."</p><p>Speaking of which, language plays a major role in the sound of Polis. They sing defiantly in their native German, and from my perspective that's a positive development. Indigenous languages offer up one more ingredient to the stew. Because of this, the first thought one might have is Weitklang is Deutschrock, but that's certainly not the case here. Because they are located in the former East Germany, it's also been suggested they represent the sounds of the late 70s and early 80s GDR progressive rock bands. I don't hear that either, primarily because the guitars are of the modern variety. The heavy guitar tone conjured up on Weitklang is very much of a post 90s sound. It's this same guitar that also keeps it from the retro prog realms, that I originally thought it might fit comfortably with. The real stars of the show are the analog keyboard beasts of yore, primarily Hammond organ and analog synthesizers. This keeps the balance nicely and the album avoids falling into the stoner trap. Apparently Polis started as a blues rock band, and that's apparent in some of the guitar solo parts. I'm not so keen on the songs themselves, but most of the tracks have some fine instrumental mid sections.</p><p>---2/5/24</p><p>2/5/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-41802366859231762982024-02-04T17:09:00.004-06:002024-02-20T16:06:39.339-06:00Cinema Styge, Italy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUlE2DDWYT8GiuAx8Anh95Py6SNVyadzFE-QikpWrTaxkhjFm_B83lZsaS4g0OEaYbSr85-U-yJaOZRg8oqlfXpAmdqYu7l7RZspTOmMB_j5QrF58AioC1YYglupNkad3sg2xXUCmAZXBcXYTEKBR_o125kNn2ajkgdk_loXVCnpvEArAe_e4m092F4c/s176/channels4_profile.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="176" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUlE2DDWYT8GiuAx8Anh95Py6SNVyadzFE-QikpWrTaxkhjFm_B83lZsaS4g0OEaYbSr85-U-yJaOZRg8oqlfXpAmdqYu7l7RZspTOmMB_j5QrF58AioC1YYglupNkad3sg2xXUCmAZXBcXYTEKBR_o125kNn2ajkgdk_loXVCnpvEArAe_e4m092F4c/s1600/channels4_profile.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><br />Retro prog; Neo Italian prog<p></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@cinemastyge/about" target="_blank">YouTube (band info)</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DB73vZn8AQ&list=OLAK5uy_kbFI-fLJU9NruEMjqsv8hhO4Olf8Jc_tM" target="_blank">YouTube (samples)</a></p><p>Latest release: Tra di Noi (2023)</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JslhgRxHXtLpRND0_ujAw7jc260oNZpzcAjCmi5xwcYh3FsCrkUbaE4FxMS8qQWdKnNGL_LDj_tLoO2hMD0ghwKUfMR3_qOs_0jbbxULfw73Z_rgItwV5lx95zaE4p6ax-pkWRKoyylflMy6QqhXAjea0y_ao39Hc3To8JIGiXtGTRxzerReDH1m8zM/s600/cinema-styge-tra-di-noi-cover-art.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JslhgRxHXtLpRND0_ujAw7jc260oNZpzcAjCmi5xwcYh3FsCrkUbaE4FxMS8qQWdKnNGL_LDj_tLoO2hMD0ghwKUfMR3_qOs_0jbbxULfw73Z_rgItwV5lx95zaE4p6ax-pkWRKoyylflMy6QqhXAjea0y_ao39Hc3To8JIGiXtGTRxzerReDH1m8zM/s320/cinema-styge-tra-di-noi-cover-art.webp" width="320" /></a><b></b></div><b><br />Tra di Noi (2023)</b><p></p><p>Cinema Styge are one of many bands languishing in complete obscurity. In my era, these were the groups that might record a few pieces onto cassette and hand them to friends, family, and the six people in the audience that went to go see them at some dive bar (where some drunk would inevitably put something on the jukebox in the middle of the show).</p><p>Right from the beginning we hear organ, impassioned Italian vocals, hard guitar, mellotron, piano, and woodwinds. Plenty of start / stop moments. Oh... this is an Italian prog album alright.</p><p>Segueing nicely into the second piece, the music starts out in the grand tradition of adding a chugging hard rock element. These guys are doing everything the retro way. Italian narration and synth solos while they're at it. This track comes with a video and we can see they are enthusiastic young men. All of this takes me back to the late 1980s when progressive rock was being revitalized for the first time since the classic era.</p><p>Track 3 begins in mellow fashion with synthesizer in the lead. Recalls the 70s Midwest American scene, with Italian vocals of course. About two thirds through, it breaks out of ballad mode and goes into something like pop psych, similar to the earliest Italian bands. And then onto a jazzy sequence that's quite cool with mellotron (early Latte e Miele comes to mind here).</p><p>This is followed a short sound collage / percussion interlude. Tracks 5 through 7 could be seen as a suite, with a soft ballad sandwiched between two more traditional prog rock tracks. The finale wraps up their sound nicely with a mix of battle and love.</p><p>It's clear that Cinema Styge has a soft spot for the romantic element of the style, which is also true to many of the masters. Perhaps a bit more dynamism is required during these moments to give it the sit- up-on-the-edge-of-your-seat that makes Italian prog special.</p><p>There's no physical release for this album. Like Architrave Indipendente, this is ripe for a gatefold LP. The artwork they are using is perfect for that too.</p><p>---2/4/24</p><p>2/4/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-61534497856642441872024-02-04T09:21:00.001-06:002024-02-20T16:07:09.083-06:00Runaway Totem, Italy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC593VbQ3eWmfceIyNcp3ZEFrf-iN2g_lRcXOxTy_4IXPkK4JoZTJ7GnZUx1fVKsBE6h27uWQsjc3nXIi8pHoq_Qit1zMgJmg7RdRYwwNfg8V1m9KVGTMBj7yFwBG_ckRugx6YxKPxKJjyFSK5igHlntFcHOSQOWpM31XUXrHZLO-CGdCwrrcjod3InC0/s1000/cover_2226113112024_r.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC593VbQ3eWmfceIyNcp3ZEFrf-iN2g_lRcXOxTy_4IXPkK4JoZTJ7GnZUx1fVKsBE6h27uWQsjc3nXIi8pHoq_Qit1zMgJmg7RdRYwwNfg8V1m9KVGTMBj7yFwBG_ckRugx6YxKPxKJjyFSK5igHlntFcHOSQOWpM31XUXrHZLO-CGdCwrrcjod3InC0/s320/cover_2226113112024_r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock; Zeuhl<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/runawaytotem/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVi7-OEK_fBo5THQsG8A4Gg" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a></p><p>Latest release: Creators (2024)</p><p>Still chugging along, Runaway Totem just released their first new album in five years. At one point I owned six albums by the band. Today I'm down to two (the one below I sold). Having said that, their debut remains a total classic for me. I'll need to get some more thorough notes down. I'm certainly up to hearing the others I missed (they have 12 total).</p><p><b>Affreschi e Meditazione (2012)</b></p><p>A very odd new release for Runaway Totem. Those coming to this album looking for their trademark Zeuhl sound will be sorely disappointed. It's mainly an electronic album (heavy on the brass sounds) with acoustic nylon guitars, all heavily filtered - and could almost be considered an ambient release. There are a couple of rock moments, with Italian vocals, but overall this one is a real curveball. That's not to say it's a bad album - it is indeed a very forward looking and progressive release in the truest meaning of the term. Not sure where I stand on it.</p><p>---5/9/13</p><p>2/4/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-45950705851653866412024-02-03T06:59:00.001-06:002024-02-20T16:07:29.904-06:00Zero Hour, USA-California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFZCge5czUY-UMiTMZWvzktt7U3KKFExR-vy3zKRK8piLFHcvMKrIO0Qh6DQKyDuhIcyFwVp-KhCkqJ8_Kopfzhbx8DmVC2QnucyNHf0YtUEMf0KRqeK1XtKazNRDprBqApHNB42OABVs29moBD8mN8KBo7LAFFajY49MEyfYA-iXJXoYeeLgIZjPpeU/s441/1267_logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="441" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFZCge5czUY-UMiTMZWvzktt7U3KKFExR-vy3zKRK8piLFHcvMKrIO0Qh6DQKyDuhIcyFwVp-KhCkqJ8_Kopfzhbx8DmVC2QnucyNHf0YtUEMf0KRqeK1XtKazNRDprBqApHNB42OABVs29moBD8mN8KBo7LAFFajY49MEyfYA-iXJXoYeeLgIZjPpeU/s320/1267_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Prog metal; Tech thrash<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/zerohourtowers/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>Latest album: Agenda 21 (2022)</p><p>Another group that I thought was long gone. They reformed recently without twin brother bassist Troy.</p><p><b>Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond (2006)</b></p><p>This CD is what made me think of the band in the first place. I haven't heard any Zero Hour in many years, and these CDs (I have four of them) are gathering dust on the shelf. I had this one rated as the lowest. Well, then, I guess I'm in for a treat when I get back to the other three! The best comparison I've read about the band in general is that of Watchtower meets Meshuggah. You get the technicality, melodicism, and high pitched voice of the former with the sheer heaviness and calculating rhythms of the latter. Nothing sits still for too long, and the music will challenge your synapses.</p><p>---2/3/24</p><p>2/3/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-76195553233005242762024-01-26T11:54:00.002-06:002024-02-20T16:08:05.614-06:00Bondage Fruit, Japan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe5zh8BBhNEIXAnf73U-k_aFNADxql6aMFj9Be3uPvKPn6I1DDw0n1wY2C4QrPjVYzAtDAV2y4t7ev-T7RXYh53FzBIH4Hy9nKckPfIG_38KraxRxakYYgK59wVmMALkGKupsmplVUe1bxya8MYz3IDQzdUn2dm_HU4pjtAJjbtv7WBjlZPl-c1xTk0g/s400/0705.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="400" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe5zh8BBhNEIXAnf73U-k_aFNADxql6aMFj9Be3uPvKPn6I1DDw0n1wY2C4QrPjVYzAtDAV2y4t7ev-T7RXYh53FzBIH4Hy9nKckPfIG_38KraxRxakYYgK59wVmMALkGKupsmplVUe1bxya8MYz3IDQzdUn2dm_HU4pjtAJjbtv7WBjlZPl-c1xTk0g/s320/0705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Avant prog; Zeuhl<p></p><p>Latest release: Bondage Fruit VII (2024)</p><p>Well this came out of nowhere! 19 years since their last album, Bondage Fruit returns. I didn't find any online presence for the group, though it may be in Japanese somewhere.</p><p><b>Bondage Fruit - VI (2005)</b></p><p>Bondage Fruit's 6th, and apparently last album (until 2024), sees the band diversifying their sound to the point of no identity. The Zeuhl backbone of their early works has all but been rubbed out here. Not to say that they didn't hit pay dirt on a few of these numbers. Opener 'Three Voices' is the longest piece here, and sounds like Tortoise playing the music of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Which seems like an oxymoron, until you actually hear it. A fantastic opening. 'Rath' is a raga rock piece, and fits well with Bondage Fruit's style. 'Locomotive' is a strange tune that's closer to Southern Fried blues rock, and contrary to what I said about 'Rath', this seems a bit self-indulgent for a band with no history of such. 'Dear Gazelle' has a bit of KBB styled Celtic violin, but begins to cook wildly midway, and is my personal favorite of the album. A very strong heavy fusion piece. 'The Train' recalls mid 70s King Crimson with long stretches of atmospheric violin but gets a bit long in the tooth after a while. 'Something Green' is a pretty melancholic instrumental that eases the tension. And 'I/O' sounds like 'Dueling Banjos' meets Bollywood electronica.</p><p>---12/31/16</p><p>1/26/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-61932592841268690082024-01-21T11:51:00.002-06:002024-02-20T16:08:59.342-06:00Helmet of Gnats, USA-Connecticut<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pZ7jlhUHAdvgD6w7Bg83nUQ9Q-Xltca0iTetSxML0PaJVuS2EjyySD66rd2RP85Vy6AC5A4-tZmzwAOSq9oiRJlLRjtWMxAaeWmXqWKtofvDgL7gh00LnepG5xQU1Md44VYfalXva0bz19Wh5vY0NEcIVTI4kMu7IKV5yH0LOHwVwgR5rXy2owGIsz0/s700/a0268805080_16.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pZ7jlhUHAdvgD6w7Bg83nUQ9Q-Xltca0iTetSxML0PaJVuS2EjyySD66rd2RP85Vy6AC5A4-tZmzwAOSq9oiRJlLRjtWMxAaeWmXqWKtofvDgL7gh00LnepG5xQU1Md44VYfalXva0bz19Wh5vY0NEcIVTI4kMu7IKV5yH0LOHwVwgR5rXy2owGIsz0/s320/a0268805080_16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Prog fusion<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/394811908632" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://helmetofgnats1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Travelogue (2020)</p><p>I believe they're still active. I've been recently in touch with guitarist Chris Fox, and will report on Travelogue soon!</p><p><b>High Street (2010)</b></p><p>What I wrote for Timeslip most certainly applies here too. The concept is about the band members' childhood home street. There is something special about that experience and connection with the past. I have a very good friend from my old neighborhood (lived right across the street) and we've been friends for well over 50 years. We both are blessed with excellent memory capability so we can each recreate moments going back to our earliest school days of the early 70s.</p><p>This connection comes through in the music of Helmet of Gnats. As for style, I'm reminded of what Mandrill said about their music: "We were too prog for funk, and too funk for prog". Replace funk with fusion and you could make that same argument here.</p><p>---10/8/23</p><p><b>Timeslip (2004)</b></p><p>Timeslip is Helmet of Gnats second album, 8 years after their debut. Here their stock and trade is retro jazz rock/fusion, with Hammond B3 and electric guitar leading the way. Melody is front and center so this isn't a chops fest, just the way I prefer it. At times it sounds like Niacin with some spruced up psychedelic guitar leading the solo parade. That reads like a great combination to me! If your tastes in fusion run towards the early 70s side of the continuum then Timeslip will most certainly satisfy.</p><p>---7/28/22</p><p>1/21/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-20288272301748843042024-01-21T08:04:00.002-06:002024-02-20T16:10:00.506-06:00Ring van Möbius, Norway ***Inactive***<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaQrVvjr3HzLek74XuA4B-pDepJuq91BzTAyWSTGUw3SCFytSPjOc1J4HaSmu9FOAbZRnpMESA0YFl39KhsGUofLNpVe59-w9-3qC0wtXxTC4VZLkjaOoaAYvb4QC02eBZBToqQdZwLMUhPAeQPdoKWK3x89miDHPLbZCZQ21usfQW02JtP3ErGIf/s527/Screenshot%202023-06-16%20145949.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="527" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaQrVvjr3HzLek74XuA4B-pDepJuq91BzTAyWSTGUw3SCFytSPjOc1J4HaSmu9FOAbZRnpMESA0YFl39KhsGUofLNpVe59-w9-3qC0wtXxTC4VZLkjaOoaAYvb4QC02eBZBToqQdZwLMUhPAeQPdoKWK3x89miDHPLbZCZQ21usfQW02JtP3ErGIf/w400-h78/Screenshot%202023-06-16%20145949.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Retro prog<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ringvanmobius" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://ringvanmbius.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Commissioned Works Pt II : Six Drops Of Poison (2023)</p><p>Looks like the band has decided to call it day. That's too bad.</p><p><b>The 3rd Majesty (2020)</b></p><p>Snuck one more new album in before the New Year. Ring van Mobius burst onto the scene a couple of years ago with their own brand of retro prog. To be honest I don't remember much about that debut (I have a scratch off note in here somewhere), but I have an excellent rating for it. And perhaps no surprise since Past the Evening Sun was modeled to some extent on Van der Graaf Generator - a band I recently told you all I struggle to recollect regardless. The 3rd Majesty seems to draw from a different well of UK progressive rock. There are some VDGGisms left, but gone is the saxophone, and its place is a barrage of keyboards and fuzz bass. Whereas fellow countrymen Wobbler dabbles with both classic Scandinavian dark prog and all-time favorites Yes, Ring van Mobius borrows from that same Yes, as well as ELP, King Crimson - and the American variant of such. Scoff all you want, but one can even hear Starcastle within these grooves. As is often the case with music like this, the blend is original even if the ingredients are not. Given that I'm an unreconstructed early 70s progger at heart, I find albums like this to be highly satisfying. But not one for those who would like to get past 1974. For my tastes this album challenged Wobbler's latest to the finish line. Superb offering.</p><p>---1/1/21</p><p><b>Past the Evening Sun (2018)</b></p><p>It doesn't take too long to figure out that Ring van Möbius (Ring van Mobius if searching) have Van der Graaf Generator on the mind while listening to Past the Evening Sun. The dense compositions, the broad stroke saxophone, heavy bass, and the psychotic Peter Hammill style vocals all point to Pawn Hearts. The vocals might be a bit more soft affected than Hammill's - perhaps a bit of Gabriel even, and some of the mellotron work recalls early King Crimson, so it's not all intense - all the time. Ring van Möbius were to switch gears for their second effort The 3rd Majesty (for arguably the better) which I managed to get some words down on this blog. For another Norwegian retro prog band reference, Past the Evening Sun reminds me of Gargamel. Easy rec for fans of complex early 70s prog rock.</p><p>---1/24/22</p><p>1/15/19 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-89136820294791676822024-01-21T07:05:00.001-06:002024-02-20T16:10:49.162-06:00Corima, USA-Texas/California ***Inactive***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHficS-3cnzWaG6RShqUXkYrtEA7UmEYlOKXK46kD1whaCAszf4jCBZ9QgziL32yeene3fkJnVONW7NXbUohAoFhOlZh1dYPgnGhGRoDcCt59YsKkCWjNsza5CwrwWnypfSs-9PDG9Qw/s1600/Corima+Ama.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHficS-3cnzWaG6RShqUXkYrtEA7UmEYlOKXK46kD1whaCAszf4jCBZ9QgziL32yeene3fkJnVONW7NXbUohAoFhOlZh1dYPgnGhGRoDcCt59YsKkCWjNsza5CwrwWnypfSs-9PDG9Qw/s320/Corima+Ama.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>Zeuhl <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CORIMAMUSIC" style="text-align: center;">Facebook </a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CORIMAMUSIC" style="text-align: center;"></a><a href="http://corima.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a><br />
<br />Latest release: Amaterasu (2016)</div><div><br /></div><div>Moving this forward. A couple of nights ago I revisited my CD of the debut. Such a great album. They had announced back in 2021 they were putting the finishing touches on their third album Hunab Ku. And then they disappeared. Ugh! Where did ya'all go?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Amaterasu (2016)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Corima's last album, the kinetic Quetzalcoatl, blew my bloomin' mind, so I was a bit reticent to jump into their new one. Even though I bought the album upon release late last year, I didn't hear it until this week. So did Amaterasu match or exceed the previous effort? No, of course not. I don't think that was even possible, or even a reasonable ask. OK, then, but is it at least good? Oh heck yea! It's fantastic in fact. But I don't think there was much more they could have done in the direction of Quetzalcoatl without being a straight copy. So, like Eskaton before them, they tried something a bit different. Eskaton had at their disposal a current trend of synth pop, that they completely destroyed into their own unique twisted vision. Corima was not near so bold, sticking to more tried and true Zeuhl principles. Amaterasu is broken into two distinct tracks. The more jazzy, atmospheric, and melodic 'Tsukutomi' (recalling at times Vander's Offering) and then the charter Zeuhl school of the title track. The opener has some brilliant foot stomping moments offset by a bit of loose sax wankery that doesn't serve the band well. However the melodic songwriting is a step in the right direction, and would be interesting for them to marry Quetzalcoatl's style with it. The title track too has an atmospheric buildup. Think Weidorje. And then the real party starts. Zeuhl styled chanting and screams, hyper active rhythms, sax and electric piano cycling into swirls of madness, bass and drums pounding your brains into the turf. Weeeeeee. OK, time to get in line for another ride.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>---8/4/17</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Quetzalcoatl (2012)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Corima are a group who first assembled in El Paso and moved to Los Angeles. Their full length debut is an <i>astounding</i> album. It maintains the intensity of the Japanese Zeuhl school (think Koenji Hyakkei), but possesses a much clearer focus and the music is given more room to breathe. Violin, saxophone, fuzz keyboards, and female vocals are the distinguishing sounds and characteristics of the album. There is plenty of amazing super-tight ensemble work throughout - all in hyper drive - that are truly sublime. The melodic interludes that constantly pop up among the chaos are truly enlightening in this setting. Magma's Mekanik is the most obvious comparison overall, though they go faster and harder than that may imply. All five members put in a fantastic performance, but special mention goes to Andrea Itzpaplotl (nee Calderon) for her brilliant violin work and beautiful vocals - and to Sergio Sanchez-Ravelo for his monster staccato drum work. He must've lost 20 pounds just recording this album! For my tastes, one of the best Zeuhl albums since the glory days of Eskaton!</div><div><br /></div><div>---10/3/12</div><div><br /></div><div>10/3/12 (new entry)</div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-91025344958661973502024-01-20T12:14:00.003-06:002024-02-20T16:11:36.426-06:00Mushroom, USA-California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s8V4eOauPyH7iikYM1bjyDcTbLbZTYwBnXkE8V0epf6yhc0Yd-Tjmi490Zpi7UhQjk4PDSBvexmFjsN9Q7GByqu_suEeg-zpKP6fTLmkhSZLm8taNA0e1nSMOsAjuuCj9vrjWH85itifCVyXTS1TM0dt6wdFzUj1YFDaJ57gaydBK8k345cM2vuQ0M4/s600/R-16342-1658083947-8127.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="600" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s8V4eOauPyH7iikYM1bjyDcTbLbZTYwBnXkE8V0epf6yhc0Yd-Tjmi490Zpi7UhQjk4PDSBvexmFjsN9Q7GByqu_suEeg-zpKP6fTLmkhSZLm8taNA0e1nSMOsAjuuCj9vrjWH85itifCVyXTS1TM0dt6wdFzUj1YFDaJ57gaydBK8k345cM2vuQ0M4/s320/R-16342-1658083947-8127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Space rock; Jazz rock; Krautrock styled<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Mushroom-100063622921321/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://mushroom3.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Messages from the Spliff Bunker (2024). To be released Feb 10.</p><p>Another 90s band returns after being relatively dormant for some years.</p><p><b>Cream of Mushroom (1998)</b></p><p>The hype sticker on the casing states <i>"Debut CD from Mushroom with Krautrock, psychedelic & jazz fusion influences. Their sound is similar to Tortoise, Miles Davis, Can, Soft Machine."</i> And with that Mushroom threw down the gauntlet. This was in the early days of the American Krautrock revival, and where better to start than San Francisco. Of course only Can above could be considered Krautrock but it is the centerpiece of the CD - namely the 24 minute 'The Reeperbahn'. This track has Can written all over it with its hypnotic repetitive groove and analog sounds dropped on top. As it turns out, the CD incorporates Mushroom's true debut, 1997's LP of the same name as the lengthy track, along with four new compositions. From the LP we also hear 'On the Corner (Part 2)' which of course covers the Miles reference. And there's some fuzz bass, so I guess that's to be the Hopper nod. Graham Connah is the keyboardist here, and his next venture would be Jettison Slinky, one of the few American bands who paid homage to the Canterbury scene. In the end what you get with Mushroom are all the obvious pop culture references and musical influences. As a listener, it would be easy to write it off as hipster imitation. But what I hear is an innovative band taking in all the influences and creating something wholly unique. Mushroom would continue to be a fascinating band for the next 10 years or so before fizzling out. If curious, this CD debut would be as good as any place to start, though not their very best.</p><p>---1/19/21</p><p>1/20/24 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-40246496269199340082023-12-31T13:31:00.004-06:002024-02-21T17:45:46.818-06:00Cooperativa del Latte, Italy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_HDqpdPCRwFmrz_y0LEZWea113aLlCKvknOghkfe4sv6MnrMsj9Bw19SVd6ThliwoAe3dP0dx5OGTei5cuaKkYdmUFTHRZ3r-olCMQx8ahKADmQesP3AlBl4q0PYXRqvZXIqF4QVZ34pz0nm8T0lmpwb74_DOY-fsDbUCjPDnfnasO1j5w_XV9kbZNg/s1005/0034170208_10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="917" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_HDqpdPCRwFmrz_y0LEZWea113aLlCKvknOghkfe4sv6MnrMsj9Bw19SVd6ThliwoAe3dP0dx5OGTei5cuaKkYdmUFTHRZ3r-olCMQx8ahKADmQesP3AlBl4q0PYXRqvZXIqF4QVZ34pz0nm8T0lmpwb74_DOY-fsDbUCjPDnfnasO1j5w_XV9kbZNg/s320/0034170208_10.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br />Neo Italian prog<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CDLatte/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://cdl-cooperativadellatte.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest album: Fogli d’Acqua Sparsi (2023)</p><p>OK, this is getting crazy. But in this case, here's a group who only released one album back in 1998, and completely disappeared... until now. And the new album was released back in July! To think I used to keep up with all new releases - like in 1996 haha.</p><p><b>Il Risveglio (1998)</b></p><p>Two months after the return of Cooperativa del Latte, their debut album came up for collection review. I don't think I've heard this since first acquiring the CD back in 2000. The album definitely belongs to the 90s Italian prog renaissance. Comparisons to Aria Palea, Germinale, Malibran, and Finisterre wouldn't be out of place. CdL are little bit more focused on retro instrumentation, in particular the keyboards (organ, analog synth, piano). However it's also a bit more tepid in its approach. The meter shifts are more carefully studied, the vocals are more subdued, the rhythms are less complex. The electric guitar has a 90s tinge to it. On the flipside, the use of flute and acoustic guitar add much to its 70s authenticity, which is a plus. Final track is also quite beautiful. Given its place in the Italian prog timeline, this one is worthy of further exploration.</p><p>---2/21/24</p><p>12/31/23 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-38660972181964036512023-12-31T13:19:00.003-06:002024-02-20T16:16:18.664-06:00Dialeto, Brazil<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyxpBU3PH7vMUSI0FooyrL1A7OcKDAKFjic2kSRQjUvTF50fqIHlJL8OnN-FJypTN2dv3fHTj-2gW04ulObuLgEZxx6DFnTMGoDJleflByq58lgsmmIMgE6XLDF9rH-2gIMBjzuAy9SNLTqZRAHefQWMttMqg0qeIPYdpyYxUzaUH7yZC9ZdvjNTnAdk/s700/a3702258650_16.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyxpBU3PH7vMUSI0FooyrL1A7OcKDAKFjic2kSRQjUvTF50fqIHlJL8OnN-FJypTN2dv3fHTj-2gW04ulObuLgEZxx6DFnTMGoDJleflByq58lgsmmIMgE6XLDF9rH-2gIMBjzuAy9SNLTqZRAHefQWMttMqg0qeIPYdpyYxUzaUH7yZC9ZdvjNTnAdk/s320/a3702258650_16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dialeto/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://dialeto.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Pandelirium (2024)</p><p>And here we go again with yet another band I wasn't aware were still kicking around. I bought the LP below when it came out. I knew they reformed but really haven't followed them since. Will need to catch up.</p><p><b>Dialect (1991)</b></p><p>Dialect sounds like a heavy psych version of King Crimson's Discipline. I also hear the absolute best moments from the Brazilian neo psych band Violeta de Outono. Highly original album, especially considering the date. </p><p>The band rerecorded portions of this album in 2008 under the band name Dialeto with the title "Will Exist Forever". Too bad they didn't reissue this original recording, as it's quite good.</p><p>To be clear, Will Exist Forever is not the same album. The label says: <i>"Nova versão desse clássico disco progressivo nacional, lançado originalmente pela Faunus Records com o nome Dialect, teve regravadas todas as vozes, guitarras adicionais e violinos. Ou seja, um disco totalmente reformado e com uma qualidade de som bem melhor. O CD traz ainda duas músicas bônus, "Just For Free" (um improviso gravado na época na mesma sessão) e "Animal" em português. Edição limitada de 500 cópias em formato mini-LP."</i>. With Google Translate's help, the key translation is:<i> "re-recorded all the voices, additional guitars and violins. Ie, a disk with a completely remodeled and better sound quality.". </i>Re-recording voices and adding instruments makes it a different album.</p><p>---1/13/11</p><p>12/31/23 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-5140256176863687752023-12-31T12:51:00.001-06:002023-12-31T12:51:57.377-06:00Echolyn, USA-Pennsylvania<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWvYkollOZCp18n9YidulEf4Yi33D1BbIYy7Olr26G02mvaOuF_abGXoMHtdDw864jjNC6FFAtWKAbLncPGr37yc4zL_TX5yDGy29sDm5NtOzSA7cEoPULDabSUPLV9OCkjOt0PmcFZtpoKJXWG326BDvoE5z_dDcY4MB6THXN6vtOmvc-2cKES5AJUo/s361/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="361" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWvYkollOZCp18n9YidulEf4Yi33D1BbIYy7Olr26G02mvaOuF_abGXoMHtdDw864jjNC6FFAtWKAbLncPGr37yc4zL_TX5yDGy29sDm5NtOzSA7cEoPULDabSUPLV9OCkjOt0PmcFZtpoKJXWG326BDvoE5z_dDcY4MB6THXN6vtOmvc-2cKES5AJUo/s320/download.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progressive rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/echolynband/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://echolyn.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest album: I Heard You Listening (2015). Word around the campfire says to expect a new album in 2024.</p><p>Yet another band I wasn't aware were still around. I have their second and third albums from the early to mid 90s on CD, but never penned any notes for them. I'll have to catch up at some point with the others.</p><p>12/31/23 (new entry)</p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-67092043135834588892023-12-31T12:38:00.003-06:002024-02-20T16:16:50.397-06:00Aziola Cry, USA-Illinois<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI1OGePLrQQ0zywegr0SOSiGFKmFy0gAXy4OCSzMLjoE7RE4p9LGXFFCxY7VDTPgsbQDNPziNPC7CjxidsvcTK2AYFRKO8wU2ZfAlr5TVRXHz6JFPnLYiSsu6zgA0biXSGc_2Ug9Wd5r-FsJRLCPuQiWzEyb-LXfG84NAB3MFyjwRDlZKI_tZBEFUvw8/s2355/AziolaCry-Logo+black+on+white.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="2355" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI1OGePLrQQ0zywegr0SOSiGFKmFy0gAXy4OCSzMLjoE7RE4p9LGXFFCxY7VDTPgsbQDNPziNPC7CjxidsvcTK2AYFRKO8wU2ZfAlr5TVRXHz6JFPnLYiSsu6zgA0biXSGc_2Ug9Wd5r-FsJRLCPuQiWzEyb-LXfG84NAB3MFyjwRDlZKI_tZBEFUvw8/w400-h50/AziolaCry-Logo+black+on+white.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Prog metal<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aziolacrymusic/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://aziolacry.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: The Ironic Divide (2021). Reading they plan to release a new album in 2024.</p><p>Another band I had no idea were still around. Great to see so many of these groups hanging in there.</p><p><b>Ellipsis (2005)</b></p><p>Aziola Cry are a band from Chicago who took instrumental mid 70s King Crimson as a blueprint - and who were lead by a stick bass player - and then added a heavy metal undertone. It's "so 2005". I kind of like it anyway.</p><p>---10/13/16</p><p>12/31/23 (new entry)</p><p><br /></p>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07215603944746407312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-92025403522281979822023-12-31T06:40:00.005-06:002024-02-20T16:21:34.012-06:00Djam Karet, USA-California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg7pnFPhGgElKvwYE4rWRRJaDYsvO3N-TT8Sb7YiOYbV5XRWg_-eVOxIpuyUmnj3QWdUogx9fKZhjq_NuF7MirpUa6XjdSBct2eunvyYbiIRZkB45GWYa5kfAk5ZuU6SgMIupZfgdnPVjgFChRrNmGSgyvitYV6NVvOGkMC0_OW0FrZQs14ATEqfmhYM/s1682/305963994_10227398382960770_7134765661038990190_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1682" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg7pnFPhGgElKvwYE4rWRRJaDYsvO3N-TT8Sb7YiOYbV5XRWg_-eVOxIpuyUmnj3QWdUogx9fKZhjq_NuF7MirpUa6XjdSBct2eunvyYbiIRZkB45GWYa5kfAk5ZuU6SgMIupZfgdnPVjgFChRrNmGSgyvitYV6NVvOGkMC0_OW0FrZQs14ATEqfmhYM/s320/305963994_10227398382960770_7134765661038990190_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Space rock; Progressive electronic; Progressive rock<p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/djam.karet" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://djamkaret.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></p><p>Latest release: Island in the Red Night Sky (2022)</p><p><b>Regenerator 3017 (2014)</b></p><p>Regenerator 3017 is a good example of an album I had zero recollection of. I had categorized in my space rock collection, like many of their others. Wrong. This is a mellow instrumental progressive rock, oftentimes falling into jazz fusion or even jazz funk. Plenty of great lead guitar that the band is known for, along with mellotron and thoughtful rhythms. This was their 30th Anniversary album that flew under the radar. I bought it dutifully when it came out and didn't give it the proper attention. This was to be the last Djam Karet album for me to buy, and that is likely to remain the case. I find it makes an excellent bookend to my already extensive collection by the group. A good place to rest.</p><p>---12/30/23</p><p><b>Recollection Harvest (2005)</b></p><p>Quite possibly Djam Karet's finest album and catches the group at their peak. Made up of two separate musical approaches, the title work is a retro instrumental prog that reminds me some of the classic 70s Dutch scene. The melodic quotient is very high here. 'Indian Summer' is the other concept, and here we're treated to an electronic rock style similar to Heldon or even late 70s Tangerine Dream.</p><p>---1/31/24</p><p><b>The Devouring (1997)</b></p><p>When this came out, I think we were all relieved that Djam Karet were back on track. Even to this day, it's arguable that The Devouring is their most fully realized work. The opening 3 tracks are brilliant hard rock / psychedelic / progressive instrumental tracks. It would be tough to expect them to maintain that pace, but the album miraculously never wanders off too much, though it gets a bit samey towards the end. I have most of the Djam Karet catalog, but I'm not sure how much will stick around. But for certain this, along with the first one I bought - Reflections from the Firepool, most certainly will.</p><p>---6/11/20</p><p><b>Suspension & Displacement (1991) </b></p><div>Bought this when it came out, famously with its cousin CD Burning the Hard City. For most of that time since, I held the other CD as the better of the two. Now I'm not so sure. My mental image of Suspension & Displacement was that of a boring electronic / space rock album. But I had dismissed the full band effort here, and there are many organic moments, including much needed warmth instruments like acoustic guitar. A definite +2, and I have a whole new outlook on this, some 31 years after the fact.</div><div><br /></div><div>---4/9/22</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Reflections from the Firepool (1995)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Reflections from the Firepool is where Djam Karet went pro. Prior to this, their releases had been more jam oriented, with far less focus on composition and melody. It's also the album where I was first introduced to this fine long running band from California. I picked up the CD from a mail order dealer not long after release (be sure to see the "more section" below), and was subsequently blown away.<br /><br />To understand this, one must go back to 1989. It was a time of optimism for many reasons, but all one needs to remember was the basic collapse of The Warsaw Pact on a nearly weekly basis. Tyranny was out and Freedom was in. On the music front, after years of dormancy, the psychedelic guitar was being brought back to prominence. Djam Karet, along with Tangle Edge and Ozric Tentacles were leading the charge and using the instrument not just as an accent, but rather as a focal point. This wasn't the 80s indie rock / neo psych hybrid that was popular with the post New Wave crowd, on the contrary, these new groups had in mind Ash Ra Tempel, Amon Duul II, and Gong - along with other such great bands from the early 1970s.<br /><br />'The Sky Opens Twice' is a perfect opener. As I read other reviews, there seems to be a unanimous chorus that the album is nothing more than loose instrumentals. This is far from the case here. While certainly there are some incendiary guitar jams sprinkled throughout, that of course is what this listener (and my peers) would hope for. The payoff of the investment as it were. Other highlights include 'Run Cerberus Run' and the title track. Perhaps only 'All Doors Look Alike' with its incongruous free sax blowing on part 1, and the second half of 'Scenes From the Electric Circus' aren't up to snuff (though the first part of this track is super).<br /><br />All in all, Reflections from the Firepool is the album that put Djam Karet on the map. They sort of lost their way in the early 90s, only to come back ferociously with The Devouring, and never looked back again. For my tastes, Reflections From the Firepool is a very important work of the latter 80s, which ushered in numerous other bands who followed suit in the very interesting and productive 1990s.</div><div><br /></div><div>---7/30/18</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Ritual Continues (1987)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>After purchasing Reflection from the Firepool I immediately went back to the mail order dealer and acquired the tape of its predecessor, which is the album of today's discussion. That tape is slightly different than the CD I now possess (which wasn't released until 1993), but essentially is similar from a musical perspective. This album captures Djam Karet going from the raw jams of their debut tape No Commercial Potential to the relatively composed Reflections from the Firepool. Opener 'Shamen's Descent' is arguably the finest track here, mixing the exotic psychedelic jam with progressive rock complexity. 'Technology and Industry' is another highlight. If you do have the CD, then you'll be treated to the most Krautrock oriented song in 'Tangerine Rabbit Jam' performed by Happy Cancer, who is Djam Karet's direct ancestor. Some of the album can meander a bit, but it's in the spirt of naïve exploration, a most welcome trait in an era that frowned on such activity. Had this been a newer release, I wouldn't be overly enthused, but given its place in history, I feel the album deserves much praise. An enjoyable album throughout and one of America's pioneers of new psychedelic oriented music.</div><div><br /></div><div>---9/7/23</div><div><br /></div><div><b>No Commercial Potential (1985)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Djam Karet's debut album, the cassette No Commercial Potential, was a true anomaly when released in 1985. The concept of long form, psychedelic guitar driven rock instrumentals, was an extinct concept in the mid 1980s. Whereas LS Bearforce released the homage to early Guru Guru in 1983, Djam Karet had taken the idea of combining mid period King Crimson mixed with any number of west coast late 60s psychedelia bands. And yes, with more than a hint of Krautrock as well. Djam Karet were born out of a (still operating) California record store, and it's no accident they possessed the historical capacity for musical research. Quite simply, they were considerably ahead of their time, and by the 90s many were following their lead, arguably to lesser success. It must be said, the title is as accurate as any in history.</div><div><br /></div><div>---8/12/17</div><div><br /></div><div>Jan 2017 (new entry)</div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5519126403011023476.post-72144045406332932392023-12-26T19:56:00.004-06:002024-02-20T16:22:06.896-06:00Viima, Finland <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikORgbkbTLLHKm-R4hSLDVGJlZtgIdRUYF1WJzDMRUnt2fu7FZY17Dnvo1uQML5k_BU9rEU3lSiGk5VrWVN7fUc0mAbn8k_ERUDdR_DEKlvBGxP4AfZ_F8gO3of-arbaypD4C5S8qnRA/s1600/Viima+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikORgbkbTLLHKm-R4hSLDVGJlZtgIdRUYF1WJzDMRUnt2fu7FZY17Dnvo1uQML5k_BU9rEU3lSiGk5VrWVN7fUc0mAbn8k_ERUDdR_DEKlvBGxP4AfZ_F8gO3of-arbaypD4C5S8qnRA/w400-h74/Viima+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Progressive rock; Prog folk</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/viimaband/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://viima.bandcamp.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></div>
<br />Latest release: Väistyy Mielen Yö (2024). <div><br /><div><b>Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta (2006)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It’s getting to the point that everything that’s from Finland is great. They are to the current decade what the French were to the 1980s. And thank goodness for that. Wasn’t sure what to expect here. Was told it was Finnish folk prog, and about the only band I associate with that is the obscure and rare Scapa Flow. It’s not really like that however. Even though it’s sung in beautiful Finnish, the album has more of a UK feel than one from continental Europe. The female vocals are one distinguishing factor. What’s interesting to me are the guitar breaks, which are rooted in hard rock – a clear departure from the acoustic folk psych of the base material. I quite liked this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>---Dec 2006<br /><br />11/25/23 (new entry)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div><br /></div></div></div>Purple Peak Recordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735592038872524224noreply@blogger.com0