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MOTORPSYCHO
The Crucible
(2019 - Rune Grammofon/Stickman Records - Norway)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBdKRRrrVmU

Norwegian house of many mirrors band, cast forth another masterpiece of colossal proportions, that hops from framework to formation, and brings in both some heavy and mild early King Crimson (full of mellotron) as well as a blend of heavy metal and vocal harmonies, that stand more in the grunge genre of bands such as Nirvana, Galactic Cowboys (esp 'Kaptain Krude' recording), and Pearl Jam. Of course the formula from which grunge took the lead from is clearly Black Sabbath (1970s) and the melodic counterparts of the 1980s and beyond, is hearty in many measures of the music here. An interesting comparison I also found in the 2nd composition (with more styles included of course), which I included as a link at You Tube at top with this review, is the classic and standout third album from the Greek progressive rock band AXIS (don't compare their debut or horrible second), that mixed in glorious Crimson in several eras, free jazz, classical, and psychedelic. But any fan of this group has to know by now, that they can do anything and with a masterstroke.

Three members, with the two founders Hans Magnus Ryan (guitars, vocals, piano), Bent Saether (bass, vocals, guitars, mellotron) who first met and agreed that Ritchie Blackmore's 'Rainbow Rising' was an ultimate album, bring drummer Tomas Jarmyr (who also plays mellotron sings, and adds percussion) in for a second time (he was also on previous double release 'The Tower'). There are two additional guest musicians Susanna Wallumred (vocals on 'Lux Aeterna') and Lars Horntweth (reeds on 'Lux Aeterna'). Also only three songs 1. Psychotzar (8:43) 2. Lux Aeterna (10:56) 3. The Crucible (20:51) to make this single album.  An eerie cover painting by Hakon Gullvag (who also did 'The Tower') titled 'Egypts haer drukner' (which translates to 'The Egyptian army has drowned'), may give people cause to compare these two releases and of course, some of the atmosphere is certainly still here. But 'The Crucible' does have a broader palette, with the three extended compositions allowing the members (Saether wrote 1 and 2, and Ryan aided in the 3rd song), to run far and wide. The arrangements are credited to all three members, and the lyrics are all by Saether.

Styles enter and do not always visit long, but quick entrances of schizoid Canterbury and musical soup flurry, causes a person to spill out comparisons all day, and never cover them all. Although this amazing band has gone through some personnel changes, as well as musical maps, the often blindsided approach they have taken on with each release, has kept both the fans and the newcomers jumping. Motorpsycho can slide several evolutional styles right under your nose, and bring new life into them. This band has managed to fly over more air space than any other group I know of, and in such an astounding way, second to none. Thus, I am proud to call them the ultimate pivotal and progressive outfit. Of course none of this would be possible if the musicians were not incredibly skilled and on a higher platform than even the A+ artist. RECOMMENDED.

 ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 3 - 10 -2019

 
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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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