The Worm Ouroboros, Belarus ***Inactive***

News: On December 24 The Worm Ouroboros released their second album Endless Way From You, and have switched labels to Lizard (also Italian oddly enough).

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Location: Minsk

Overview: The Worm Ouroboros are clearly informed by the classic Canterbury scene, and it's most apparent with regards to the fuzzy keyboard tones, copious use of flute, complex meters, kinetic electric guitar, and a melodic disposition.

UMR notes

Ain Soph, Japan

News: And yet another band from the distant past has risen from the grave! Ain Soph have announced their first new studio album in 26 years titled Seven Colours. The release date has been set for the day after Christmas. Nothing about this on their website, nor do they have much other internet presence. The original source of the news comes from the Japanese online dealers.

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Location: Tokyo

Overview: Ain Soph's legacy dates back to the 70s as an ensemble known as Tenchi-Sozo. Initially a band influenced heavily by Camel, Ain Soph added more fusion and ultimately more Canterbury sounds into the mix. My recollection is that some of the later material is a bit glossy, but I need to revisit with modern ears.

Forgas Band Phenomena, France

News: Forgas Band Phenomena's 6th album L'Oreille Electrique will be released by Cuneiform on October November 9th. Most curious how this one will turn out.

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Location: Paris

Overview:  What makes the Forgas Band Phenomena so great is the synergy of an instrumental 7 piece band. So in addition to the standard rock quartet of guitar, keyboards, bass and drums - you also have dedicated members providing violin, trumpet and sax/flute. The music is tight and energetic, while never forgetting that their main premise is to rock your britches off. How many progressive bands today forget this last component?

UMR notes

Scherzoo, France

News: Scherzoo 04 is out and I have it on the way to me now. The album promises to be more in the Canterbury mold. I'm excited about this, as I wasn't as keen on them moving away from Zeuhl to Avant prog.

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Location:  Lyon

Overview: Scherzoo's sound is somewhere between avant prog and Zeuhl, whereas Thollot's solo works scratch the avant angle and add in some Heldon like electronic rock. Apparently they are now moving into a Canterbury direction.

UMR notes

Moogg, Italy

News: There hasn't been any recent activity from Moogg in the last couple of years, beyond the CD release of Italian Luxury Style, which took some time to find its way to a physical asset (being download only for some time). Let's hope the group resurfaces again. Bumping post forward to highlight fresh notes on their latest album.

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Location: Brescia, Lombardy

Overview: Moogg are an Italian band who's heart is in Canterbury. They also have a fondness for 70s jazz rock in general.

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