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EYELESS IN GAZA_Ink Horn One Star_COVER.
EYELESS IN GAZA
Ink Horn/One Star
(2019 - Ambivalent Scale Records - UK)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bllne4AQwA

http://www.eyelessingaza.com/asr.html

It may be a mystery how this pair can continue creating such potent, spacious, unique and eloquent art pop (if the word 'pop' can even be applied anymore), yet they do. With a certain amount of antiquity, invoking characteristics like gold leaf, prized woods, sage wisdom, warmth, and prestige, Eyeless in Gaza have always been able to use their own formula to make timeless music.

Originally meant to be a double set of mini albums linked by a thematic concept, the project became too expensive and thus reworked to become the single disc release 'Ink Horn/One Star'. Martyn Bates, with his one of a kind gentle dreamy poetic voice (plus multiple instruments) and Pete Becker who not only records and engineers all their records, but also plays a great variety of instruments including drums, bass, guitars, ukulele, keyboards, effects, accordion, and programming; have complimented each other for four decades now. Elizabeth S. who has sometimes accompanied them, written lyrics, and done artwork, and videos, added photography and did videos on this release.

It would be legitimate to claim this classic EIG after so many years of brilliance. On 'The Two Thorns' (track #4), Martyn does multi voice with heavenly results. So gorgeous it goes right up there with the very best the group as ever done. The blueprint of unusual uppermost ballad in a dreamy sometimes spectral world, cast against occasional biting rhythmic driven pieces, prove to be pleasing and highly effective. The psalm opposing the clamoring has been a trademark for the duo since day one. It is a celebration of those beyond this earth anthems sung by Bates and equally written/performed by Becker that always take your breath away. The instruct of both aggressive and passive often hold conference and agree with each other, in what in a normal situation, would be erroneous. But Eyeless In Gaza do not use proper etiquette, nor should they. Their library of recordings are definitive collisions of tenderness and violation of rules.

Sometimes ancient bred with modern finesse and considerable virtuosity, the two wizards make music like no one else before or after. 'Soon Will Be The Day' (track #11) stretches out in a spherical arena, exploring and carrying the listener on a short tour. The title track ('One Star') ends this illuminating album. So much to absorb, another generous batch of beautiful compositions and all the cerebral sensations any EIG fan could want. They sound every bit as fresh as they did when they first began. A great place for newcomers to jump in as well. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 31 - 2019 
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AQUA FRAGILE_Moving Fragments_COVER.jpg

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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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