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MARKUS REUTER
Truce
(2020 - Moonjune Records - USA)

https://markus-reuter-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/truce

A monumental intrepid live in the studio recording from three masters of their own musical craft, who come together to create this gem. 'Truce' is a fine title as there is no hostility, no disagreement, or opposing forces that do not work well together. Worthy of merit, far beyond spangled wealth of range among classic genre in the progressive avant-rock and forward thinking world, Markus Reuter highlights the 100th release of dedicated independent music label Moonjune Records. A touchstone for both Reuter and Moonjune owner Leonardo Pavkovic.

There in La Casa Murada Studio, Spain, on May 16th 2019, these three artists came together and made 7 pieces on eardrum canvas, that slip thru former cracks in the floorboard, spark fire stars into new air, and sink impossible putts into black holes, from places only known to them. This release is Chernobyl. The composition are written and performed by Reuter/Trentini/Sirkis. Credits belong to Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars AU8, Live Looping / Fabio Trentini: Wal Fretless Bass, Bass Synthesizer / and Asaf Sirkis: Acoustic Drums. The resume of these musicians goes way back and continues to impress to say the least, but I am going to concentrate on 'Truce'.

For anyone who needs a missing link of King Crimson 'Red' and Richard Pinhas 'L'Ethique', plus added substance that of Mick Karn, THIS IS YOUR DREAM COME TRUE. Moments of spell twisting ambient fusion of a sordid and alien kind, kettle cooked Crimson, invention inspired explosion and slow burning embers, floating back down onto brittle brown leaves, to ignite something again, who knows what direction the wind will take it. That is just some of the many impressions the music gave me upon first and following listens. As the compositions proceed, it is clear that Reuter knows where he wants to go, and trusts his two bandmates to enhance the glow. In this position of lead 'string man' Reuter plows a new row with each riff, creating both open ended melody, or a fresh bed of embers for Sirkis and Trentini to stir up. I've never heard Asaf sound better, and Fabio truly belongs in this all instrumental onslaught.

'Truce' is precise, packed with perfect chemistry, and like a new Frankenstein. Experimentation with guts, stirred slowly with wisdom laden long years of experience, these three make a box full of bravado. Animated progressive rock fashioned for adventurous music lovers who relish width, scope, penetration, courage, brainstorm, vivacity, and accomplishment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  

    ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 2 - 22 - 2020

  
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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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