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CUSTARD FLUX
Helium
(2018 - self release - USA)
[Limited Edition CD of 200, and Deluxe Wooden Box edition,
which includes a 2nd disc, in an even more Ltd Ed of 100 set available]


https://custardflux.bandcamp.com/album/helium

A gleeful and highly melodious beauty of an album by multi-instrumentalist, composer, artist, singer, overachieving Renaissance man, and do it all yourself musician, Gregory Curvey. One listen will convince you of his talent and generosity in writing and arranging warm sunny slices of a hybrid 60's psychedelic/Beatles/Stackridge, and added flavors of Jeremy Enigk, Peter Lacey, Derby, and similar gentle pop bands. Many tunes have a whimsical feel and summer of love atmosphere. With lots of added spots of handclaps, percussion, and harmonium (often referred to as reed organ), Curvey's already impressive instrument credits are: piano, acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, Ukranian flute, auto-harp, drum kit, Flying V (the only electric instrument used on the recording), and of course voice.  The first track, 'The Hit Parade', will lift your spirits with a harkening back to the glory days of Buffalo Springfield and spritely classic rock.   


Gregory grew up and lived in Chicago for 35 years before moving to Detroit, Michigan, where he resides today. He is most noted as leader of the Chicago psychedelic classic rock band The Luck of Eden Hall. who have a 30 year history and toured the UK (2015) with success. Beyond that, the bulk of that band's (and Custard Flux's) fans live in Europe. With friends like Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Curvey is well respected and widely known, just perhaps less so in the USA, sadly enough. 'Helium' will help spread the word with any luck. He is certainly worthy of your attention and fanbase. The title of the recording is perfect, with its airey, bring a smile set of tunes. Most who don't know Gregory will be shocked he is an American, since this music has a decidedly British sound, along with the American 60's classic rock aura.


A skillful display of mostly acoustic instruments provide a playground of celebrative music, with super nice and calming vocals. A few all instrumentals make neighborly paths to unforgettable lyrical gems throughout. Each song has layers, and quite a lot going on, with very tasteful use of assorted instrumentation. 'Out of Phase'(track 8) builds those layers with massive inclusion of know-how.  A mention of Soft Machine is in the beautiful lyrics of 'Golden Opportunity' (track 9), which will be noted as an incredible song among other unforgettable compositions here. All things are laid down for a delicious and rich result. And to think that the whole project was inspired by a 100 year old harmonium Gregory obtained, with the idea that he could play anywhere without electricity.


With the end (and title) track 'Helium', you have the wrapping up of a totally beautifully done package, with talent abounding, memorable songs, and what this writer and music lover thinks is one of the best progressive pop albums of 2018. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


 ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 15 - 2018  

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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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