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BLAIR_Contes Centriste de l'eternal _COV
BLAIR

Contes centristes de l'éternel déclin

(2019/2020 - Gnougn Records/ MisèRecords - France)

*CD issued 2019/vinyl released end of December 2020

https://blairounet.bandcamp.com/album/contes-centristes-de-l-ternel-d-clin-2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_UQ01m0ts4

An ultimate aggregate of Canterbury, Breton traditional folk, the bizarre, early music, chanson, baroque pop, and classical, in no certain order or conformity. A spoonful of Malicorne, mouth full of Richard Sinclair/Sterbin/Crayola Lectern/Arch Garrison/William D. Drake, and lots of those surroundings. That otherworldly exploration of psychedelic delight runs through the album. And never be surprised at getting a flashback of XTC, RIO, Cardiacs, Gentle Giant, and lots of other goodies (maybe even tango).  

With band members Jean-François Domingues (guitar, bass, vocals)/ Emmanuel Reveneau (also on guitar,  bass, vocals)/ Etienne Gaillochet (drums, vocals)/ and the leader Blair (real name Bertrand Sérieyx) composing, vocals, keyboards, flute, guitars, and sundries), along with guests on brass, winds, strings of all sorts. The assortment of music matches the wide array of instruments utilized on this third album titled 'Contes centristes de l'éternel déclin' by French composer, musician, and all out creator.

Quirky and eccentric all over the place in the best way. A knockout of genre surfing on a huge wave. Blair can get crazy then reel it back to beautiful within a split second. The musicianship by all is supreme, compositions at an unusual height, arrangements stunning, and the overall  skill is over the top. A late addition to my TOP CHOICES of 2020 list (see top info about compact disc being released 2019/vinyl issued 2020). Nice open up digipak with booklet. A fantastic recording not to be missed by anyone who loves comparative artists mentioned in this review. MOST FULLY RECOMMENDED! (see interview I did with Blair here at Big Beautiful Noise as well)

©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 30 - 2020
 

 
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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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