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NILE ON WAX

Bell Dogs

(2017 – dEPOT 214 RECORDS – Belgium)

https://nileonwax.bandcamp.com/album/bell-dogs

Nile On Wax is a smart Belgian trio who play a adventurous, atmospheric instrumental music in a somewhat dark, brooding, reflective progressive hybrid of celestial chamber rock and world music. Not far from the more eastern flavored sounds of Dead Can Dance (without the vocals) and a more spacious and esoteric Roleki (without the keyboards). Not fusion in the traditional sense, but a grand mix of space, post rock, cold wave, jazz, ethnic, and exotic touches to make for their own sound. The band consists of Catherine Graindorge (Violin & Viola), David Christophe (Bass) and Elie Rabinovitch (Drums).  Recorded by Joel Grignard and mixed by the brilliant Pierre Vervloesem (X-Legged Sally/solo/FES), six compositions display the group’s ability to create pieces that go from dirge to divine. Led by Catherine’s exploring and sometimes chilling violin work, the compositions display a surprising variety of ethereal music that even gets frisky a few times. All tracks are composed by the three members.

Formerly known as NOX, the group extended the name after two releases ('Nox' in 2009, and ‘Freaks’ in the year 2011). On this, their third, ‘Bell Dogs’ keeps a similar sound but more elements of post rock, melodic world music, and cold wave are used, as if on a journey each moment of the performance. Plenty of beautifully added effects give the arrangements both exotic and haunting flavors. ‘Rhapsody’ (trk 1) contains all of this. ‘Liqiud Birds’ (trk 2) continues the mystery with music that exudes bold and unbelievable imagery. ‘Nightride’ (trk 3) takes the listener to outer space, with sultry eastern modes, then finds a happiness which floats on a magic carpet. ‘L’ Oeil Silencieux’ (trk 4) uses Catherine’s viola with glorious trappings to develop another enigmatical trip. With the last piece, the title track, ‘Bell Dogs’, you get the full appreciation of what David Christophe’s bass skills do for the band. His techniques make considerable substitutes for both keyboard and guitar, as well as an anchor to the dynamics that consistently occur throughout this recording. Elie’s drum work is with perfection, never getting too strong or overbearing. A broad knowledge of percussion aids in the exact touches and unique feel the band has. And Catherine is amazing with her inventive and often unreal use of violin and viola, transferring stretches of the imagination and sky high skills, in her execution of each note.

This music swims in dark mountains, outer regions, undiscovered jungles, and other places not yet seen. It is a generous gift that Nile On Wax present to the listener. The first and second releases by the band (NOX) are also mixed by Pierre Vervloesem and are equally as great. ‘Freaks’ adds Michael Grebil on guitar just for one song, otherwise you get the very established trio with the finely honed chemistry on all three releases. Also of note, is the beautiful solo by Catherine Graindorge called ‘The Secret of Us All’ (also on dEPOT 214 Records). I cannot wait for another release.

Review by Lee Henderson  5 – 1 – 2018

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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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