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BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN
Rolling Golden Holy
(2022 - 37d03d - USA)

https://www.bonnylighthorseman.com/

Sophomore album by this very special collection of overachievers, or just plain brilliant song writers. Any which way, their second full release is as near stunning as their debut (self titled - 2020) on same label that smartly exposes a numerical anagram  (upside down and backwards) of "People".  I cannot imagine a more brawny  team of musical  writers and singers than this upper level chemistry perfect group of  Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman. This time they pen the entire album of their own material, and it never lacks the same spunk and vivid poetic canvas that their debut did.  An exercise of tight, dreamy, and/or acoustic collision of the new and the ancient. It continues to be presented ripe with life.  So penetrating it simply sinks into the soul of the listener, instantly upon first audition.

The emotions brought forth from the nine (9) songs on this gem are a top shelf example of neo-folk, and what can only be classified as a fusion of the genre they have become so well known for. Their debut was bursting with new blood from a collection of old (even ancient) folk tunes) that they gave a soft cuddle to any ear that came near. With this new release ("Rolling Golden Holy"- 2022) they do the same dreamy magic of their own compositions to the happy listener. Not a disappointment to be had.

In the wide world of everybody can upload their music, and literally thousands of new tunes crowd your space for attention, Bonny Light Horseman are as authentic as can be. The power of impossibly smart composing, carrying deep emotions that tug at every human with a heartbeat, and their ability to give comfort to all who listen, is a demonstration of why the collection of musicians have the huge allure they do. No need to list songs as the first song off the album ("Exile") catches you with auto surrender. And if any doubt at all, keep listening to the second selection ("Comrade Sweetheart") for nothing but smiles and spine tingling delight. You want happy" then keep the disc flowing to track three ("California")) which pours concrete at your feet as to the validity of high level hooks and unforgettable mainline melodies on this beauty. The elite artist Anaïs Mitchell soothes and captures everyone with her voice as well. The two accompanying male artists blend vocals and take on leads as if they all were from the same family tree. Exact chemistry is the key 100% present. Those who adore the first with also fall in love with this followup. Truly an extension to the same brilliance of their debut. Hands down a contender for TOP CHOICES of 2022 at Big Beautiful Noise.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  - ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 11 - 10 -2022


 
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BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

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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