top of page
MOON X _Zap_COVER.jpg

MOON X
Zap!
(2022 - New House Music - USA)


Limited Ed CD-R


LISTEN AND BUY HERE:
https://davenewhouse.bandcamp.com/album/zap

  This is a project that came about not without some twists and turns. At first the recording was intended to be Bill Jungwirth (who was drummer for the Moon Men releases) but he hurt his hand and had to leave the band at that time. So Dave Newhouse called on his son to come in and the three piece was completed. It meant some multiple duti
es for both Jerry and Dave but they both have a lifetime of experience with many different instruments, so nothing was there to stop this rather unique and slightly off kilter collection of tunes.  


The cover art (by  Eric Kearns) gives away part of the atmosphere with spaced with a whimsical nature. Most assuredly straight from 1960's science fiction genre. While a degree of humor is included, and fictitious interview, tossed in skits (think Firesign Theater and the ilk), and even commercials,  the music brings the serious side of early Canterbury, nifty jazz rock, touches of chamber, and then keeps the fun of a ghosts of sci-fi soundtrack music. In fact you'll find yourself smiling and grooving to the entire album.


I spoke to Jerry King about the whole affair and although he came up with the 'sourcetracks' for the songs "ZAP", "Invisible Man", and "March of the Moon Shadows", while  Dave Newhouse wrote "Yggdrasil", "Man of Tomorrow", "La Lune et Son Histoire" and "Trouble in Ranagar".   But in the end they decided to give the full band the equal credit for the compositions.  After all, they all contributed and the debut MOON X album would not have been realized in the same way, if at all. By the way, Jerry did the voices on "ZAP" and the Pickman's Brew beer commercial, and at the very beginning of "Interview with a Hooman". Dave did the rest of the voices. That needs mentioned because both guys did a wonderful job and I could not of guessed for sure who did what on the various acting jobs. All in all, these things add up for the ever bending trip-like journey this "Zap!" release takes you on. Lots of tremolo included,  and psychedelic climate to get lost in. I heard some occasional organic Soft Machine, Egg, with a bit of fuzz Zeuhl ("Trouble in Ranagar") and then reflection of 'Neil's Heavy Concept Album' (remember that classic album with Nigel Planer and many famous Canterbury masters?).  So with a mere three Jerry King (guitar, bass, trombone, voice), Dave Newhouse (keys, woodwinds, voice), George Newhouse (drums) and the aid of Ian Beabout (mixing and mastering at ShedSounds Studio), this little gem deserves to be witnessed and appreciated. I am aware a sophomore release is in progress. I am sure it will be worth your time.


  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 29 - 2022

 

AQUA FRAGILE_Moving Fragments_COVER.jpg

© 2023 by Name of Site. Proudly created with Wix.com

 
 
BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
​
​
​
​
Payments of any amount (all donations, no matter how small, are truly cherished) can be sent by PAYPAL  to:
drumlee@proton.me
​
This magazine exists on kind donations and music related advertisements (although the ads are limited and in no way accepted for favors in reviews). All funds are used to pay for website, domain, and the endless hours of work that is required to keep the reviews and various information  in process. Any donation is extremely appreciated. Thank you.
​
Donate with PayPal

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


 

bottom of page