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LIFESIGNS

Cardington

(2017 - self release - UK)

http://www.lifesigns.me/product/lifesigns-cardington/

A much awaited third release (previously 2 studio albums, and 1 live DVD) by the terrific band Lifesigns. From the ultra melodic, solid as a rock, idyllic mix of soft, arena, progressive pop and rock, this group has captured thousands of music fans so much so, that in less than 48 hours, they obtained their financial goal on Pledge Music to make this new recording independently. With that, John Young, the founder and lead vocalist/keyboardist, wrote all the songs with occasional help from the drummer/percussionist and backing vocalist Frosty Beedle, and on one song Steve Rispin, who did the engineering, mixing, and sound designing. There is an interesting story about the title ‘Cardington’ on the band webpage (link is given at top of this review) you may want to read. The physical CD comes with a nice booklet and the packaging is a glossy cover fold out digi pack for the lovers of this format such as myself.

Each composition is full of perfect turns and changes, on top of being as smooth as silk. This ear warming style Lifesigns has concocted, is some of the most wonderfully harmonious progressive rock you will ever hear. It is both memorable and accessible to everyone. The main members of the present lineup are John Young (lead vocals, keys), Jon Poole (bass), and Frosty Beedle(drums, backing vocals). Note that Jon replaced Nick Beggs on bass after debut Lifesigns. A number of great guests appear including Chris Taylor (backing vocals), and some superior guitarists featuring Dave Bainbridge (Iona, Strawbs, Celestial Fire, solo), Niko Tsonev (Stephen Wilson), Sir Robin Boult (Fish, Howard Jones, Stephen Wilson) and Menno Gootjes (Focus). After just one listen it is obvious these players added a huge jolt of lead guitar and emotion to the overall recording.

If you are asking for references, you may hear the first few seconds of the opening song sounding like Styx. But quickly the comparisons range from a strong gesture to Camel/Andrew Latimer, Peter Gabriel, Mike & The Mechanics (more lush and not quite as poppy), and the more mellow songs of Queensryche. The formula is utterly enticing. The icing on the cake is the title cut (last track) ‘Cardington’ that has the most kindred atmosphere of Andrew Latimer. It leaves the listener with a overpowering sense of both calm and contentment. That is until you come back to reality and start craving the next release by this consistent and gratifying group of musicians called Lifesigns. RECOMMENDED.

Review by Lee Henderson 11 – 18 – 2017

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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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