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NIEMI
Spiraalit/Spirals
(2020 - Bafe's Factory - Finland)

http://bafesfactory.fi/niemi/

The most gentle album I have ever heard. A collection of songs so sacred and filled with whispers from a traditional place, and at the same instance, this protective shelter brings about resolve and a cleanse from stress. Reverie and weightless, once buried in this music, you become wealthy with peace of mind.

Inka Niemi describes her music in several ways, including "ambient meets modern lullabies". Specifically it is compositions bringing together the Finnish lullaby tradition with mystical ambient, using dreamy vocals, nature sounds, and sparse instrumentation. Much of the music is written by Niemi and all of the lyrics are. A handful of tunes are actually traditionals. Each piece is transcendent and mythical in atmosphere. It is difficult to explain in words how delicately gorgeous these compositions are. This is a personal recording, or perhaps one to be shared with your mate, when you both are worn out from life's curses.

The musicians are: Inka Niemi (vocals), Janne Storm (piano, guitar and setara), Venla Ilona Blom (backing vocals), Suvi Eevi Karhu (concert kantele), Eero Nurmela (guitar), Olli Puolakka (double bass), Mari Talala (flugehorn), Outi Pajukallio (concert kantele), Lassi Ylonen (drums), and Tero Holopainen (strings, guitar and bouzouki). They create pillows of angel hair where the dreams float freely and visions happen under a blue moon. The album is so quiet, it commands calm headspace for the listener. The past, present, and future are all linked in these beautiful works. Time seems far less incarcerated in 'Spirals', as the mind is allowed to roam, while still feeling safe in a cocoon. It is as you have all the time in the world.

This is beauty beyond piety. One can easily understand the reasons Niemi talks about the comfort and escape from anxiety, stress, and other grief that the lullaby can provide. She gives further information as to the reasons she feels so strong about these songs in the inside of the nice 6 panel CD package, and all lyrics are translated from Finnish to English in the included booklet. The cover speaks well as to what you hear in the music. Obviously not a disc for crowds or parties, but one for intimate meditation, inner healing, and retreat from harsh reality. The album ends with Niemi whispering into nearly nothingness. This is yoga for the ears.  

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 2 - 24 - 2020
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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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