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DLM
Night Fishing
(2019 - self release - UK)

https://dlmdavislindleymullan.bandcamp.com/album/night-fishing

DLM are a band to rest your weary soul with, making gentle and delicate music, and their 'Night Fishing' is a string of pearls to bathe your grief and heal your wounds. A second premium release by ex-member of Stackridge/The Korgis, Andrew Cresswell Davis (guitars, ukulele, vocals, and harmonium), Clare Lindley, also once a member of Stackridge, plus former member of Kooch, Sunna, Green, and so many guest spots, (violin, ukulele, vocals) and Brian Mullan, also formerly of Kooch, and a slew of studio musician gigs (cello, vocals). All the tracks were arranged by DLM with additional string parts by David Lord.

Even more intimate and soothing than their debut (self titled - 2017), these twelve songs give any Stackridge fan some territory to witness that finesse, that sheer wealth of constant class of songwriting, and simple but sublime music, not only from Andy Davis, but one from the exquisite  drummer/songwriter Eddie John (with later day Stackridge). You also get a couple of covers ('Lectric Chair' - track #11 by George Brooks) and the famous 'Because' (Lennon/McCartney). Then an oldie but wonderful all instrumental redo off Stackridge 'Extravaganza' - 1974, 'Who's That Up There With Bill Stokes' (Bowkett/Davis). It is all pretty much like a new Stackridge album with no drums/percussion or winds - but nevertheless, a fabulous whirl of grand tunes to tickle the fancy of a more basic acoustic, real time and heartfelt set of golden treasures from veterans who are some of the best musicians ever to write and perform sovereign pop songs and ballads.

Andrew Davis (always referred to as Andy in Stackridge times) has always been a specialist in writing those spare heartbreakers, whether about innocent animals or distraught humans, finding themselves in peril, in a cold and careless world. Clare Lindley adds lead vocals in such a collective and complete way (such as 'Just So You Know' - track #6, and 'Champagne' - track #8), you feel like melting in your chair. Remakes like 'If I Had You' (track #7 - originally on The Korgis debut self titled album - 1979) , while more sparse, adds cello and sweet backing chorus to a rejoiceful result.

The same beautiful quaintness of the first DLM continues with 'Night Fishing' , with perhaps a more settled, delightful, and prominent calm - a sweet contentment. Once you get to 'The Ghost of Love (track #9), the essence of the message seems to speak loud. The memories, the sadness, the wisdom, and the state of existence is painfully described, even with  resignation. And just at the perfect moment, the Lennon/McCartney cover 'Because' is there, with rueful cello, accompanied by acoustic guitar, keeping an all instrumental beauty of nearly three minutes. Chased by the blues cover 'Lectric Chair', with Clare on vocals, the album is almost done, but the tears will flow again. The finale track 'Always Never Lasts Forever', written by Davis, is as ardent and unselfish as anything he has ever written. Brilliant, full of penance, and unrivaled in the tranquil way only Andy can pen a tune about manifestation. Beautiful cover art and more than beautiful music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

   ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 6 - 25 - 2019 
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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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