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MAHATMOSPHERE
Beautiful Dirt
(2019 - self released - UK)

https://mahatmosphere.bandcamp.com/releases

The beginning of this album gives off a titillating vibe, full of suspense and arpeggiated wilderness, carried by an open atmosphere of angular progressive rock and fusion in the world of instrumental King Crimson, Stickmen, Sonar, and the exotic explorations of Jon Hassell (without the trumpet of course). As a trio, the sound is rich and full, heavy at times, with perfection in balance and rhythmic bedazzlement. The cover art may suggest a more ambient album, but the compositions that bring the punches are generous and give those more spacious and carefully plodding pieces their tasteful place.

With plenty of varied influences (pieces of Weather Report, Terje Rypdal and the Chasers, Markus Reuter, and that genre of super flexible explorers, and of course all the aforementioned), the attention value is way high, extremely interesting, and packed with forward thinking ideas. The fact that all three members use a collection of electronics and wizardry, along with their main instruments, is a grand success, and a huge factor in the inventive result to 'Beautiful Dirt'. Mahatmosphere present a buffet of sounds, most displayed in the title cut 'Beautiful Dirt' (track #2) which is the longest track on the album (12:06), containing lots of fuzz (or grunge) bass, floating electronics in the celestial mode, and tight drums. Those interested can find some similar otherworldly bass and effects by Al Swainger on his solo Al Swainger's Pointless Beauty 'Outer Planets' release (2018) with two extended tracks. The following cut ('Stealth Blade') gives even more of that wandering theme, with wet reverb, big space expansion, and mystery by the mile.

Surprises happen in some of the compositions, although the music is mainly improvised, there are parts that just cry out "composed and practiced to perfection" simply due to the fact of brilliant arrangements, and small injections that are like a magic wand being used. The calibre of these three musicians say it all. Their ability to make this kind of music either on the fly or even with basic blueprint, is amazing to say the least. The ambient minutes truly strike accord with the forceful ones. The drifting passages give unselfish plateau for each artist to create textures, multi colors, and environments of rune, skyways to hues of beauty and awe.

The sculpturing and creation here is by Marco Anderson - drums, FX, vocoder and soundscapes/ Mark Lawrence - guitar and soundscapes/ Al Swainger - bass, FX and soundscapes. The album was mixed and mastered by Marco Anderson. Listeners who love a mix of the uncrowded profound with the distinct outer jazz fusion elements, and exotic climate, will adore this project. Hefty with moods, ripe with imagination, 'Beautiful Dirt' is fruition from a trio who this listener hopes will continue with more projects together. An aural pleasure and thought-provoking recording. RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 12 - 2019
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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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