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ALBAN & CEDRIC THEYS
Sirius
(2019 - Mad Ducks Records - USA)

https://madducksrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sirius

An exciting mix of interwoven patterns, minimalist fringe, descending, and tasteful progressive rock instrumental works, that chain link themselves to the explorations of celestial journeys that build majestic structures.  Some may find a few common elements from their long ago debut album 'Re-De-Generation' (2007) but new ideas are added for this much more mature and inventive sophomore project titled 'Sirius' (the brightest star in constellation of Canus Major, and in the entire Earth's sky). Being named after this star, which guides all travelers, the concept of the recording is about adventures throughout the world.

Despite the now vanilla label of electronic/ambient classification, the Theys brothers have created music far beyond this genre. Alban (drums, percussion, sampling & programming) , Cedric (U8 Touch guitar, bass, soundscapes, solos, & effects) and special guest Adrian Benavides (sound design) make quite a lot of variety happen in the six pieces. Some songs are exotic , some in fast forward motion, and all full of exquisite touches and sometimes mystery. Alban's percussion isn't just any old percussion, it is a vast collection of world gems, both tuned and untuned, gathered over many years, and from multiple countries, therefore the more colorful sounds that enhance the project. Cedric is an outstanding fret man, with a complete skill set on touch guitars.

Some of the music on 'Sirius' recalls the first two brilliant Francois Breant albums ('Sons Optiques' - 1978) and ('Voyeur Extra-Lucide' - 1979). I am still a fan of those classic treasures, so a giant compliment to the Theys. And add Adrian Benavides (whose fantastic solo 'Same Time Next Life' - 2012, I reviewed back while at Prognaut magazine) and you have a trio making music that has many fine influences, with a timeless and infinite quality.  I often got imagines in my mind during the listening, of multi-colored grains of sand drizzling thru a large prismatic hourglass, which was sitting on a beautiful white sand beach- with only the surf and cottony clouds floating past. The music keeps that dream-like atmosphere, as if everything is just outside the Garden of Eden, all in full bloom.

Not only is this album a great listen with headphones, but an aural delight on a large audiophile stereo system, that allows plenty of air in-between the speakers and your ears. Nearly two years in the making, each piece has the earmark of perfection. There is no doubt that attention to detail was made, and great care given to the final edition. The compositions have a keyboard oriented format, however it is with software, treated and untreated fretwork, percussion on many levels, and electronic know-how, that this glossy and immortal achievement was put down for everyone to buy and hear. Let yourself be taken off into nirvana with many twists. Take the journey with them. RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 8 - 24 - 2019
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A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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