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NITS
Knot
(2019 - Werf Records -Netherlands)

https://www.shop-nits.nl/shop/

Their most reflective, capricious, wise with years, and wide range album. This prolific band has evolved over 24 releases, with a bright eyed quirky offset style of pop, always brilliant in composition and arrangement. 'Knot' is tricky with its beginning song lulling the listener into a melancholy frame of mind, thinking the music may all be crawling with a slow pace and sparse way, yet the full audition reveals quite the enchanting forest of topics and atmospheres.

Over four decades, Nits (first called The Nits) have kept the flames burning, and with three core members now still at the helm : Henk Hofstede (vocals, Mellotron, piano), Robert Jan Stips (keyboards [2 PC3 Sound Sources], vocals), and Rob Kloet (drumset, percussion, gran cassa, electronics), with guests Jayne Bordeaux, Sacha de Bruin, Sheena Tchai (backing vocals), and Marieke Boskamp (violin),  they have another gem of an album to gift the world. Now famous for their contributions, Paul (recorded and mixed album, plus does sound for their live shows) and brother Tom Telman (lighting for live shows) are also present. Older fans will know R. J. Stips from an overflowing career with the superlative Supersister, a one shot Transister, Buddy Odor Stop, Golden Earring, and many rare and occasional guest spots with other artists. His solos stand out most definitely as well.

All three members have varied work history in the world of music. Their collective talent is overwhelming. From the start of 'Knot', the carousel of imagination continues to turn. Although the music is careful at times, the pieces are developed from three days of total improvisation in the studio, then taking parts of lyrics and music, and remarkably, creating songs that appear as solid as anything the band has ever done. Subject matter is full of imagery, and the compositions speak of more than a table full of stories. The sound is made by three of the most luminous minds that constantly create exact and unique output. The way the trio arrange is also amazing, in that rich and aural world of The Blue Nile, where you can hear every nuance occurring in each song. Fans will also hear echoes of the more delicate tunes from Supersister era.  Energetic tracks like 'Machine Machine' (track # 6) remind of older Nits material. 'Dead Rat Ball' (track # 7) will give big smiles to Godley & Creme lovers. It is this variety that keeps you guessing on first listen.

With the wisdom and partly nostalgic stance, the keen sense of content, song order, and supreme musicianship, Nits have won themselves another golden release award. The music keeps getting better and more alive as each cut proceeds. And being captured in a Nits record is always a pleasure. In fact, the magic is almost ghostly throughout. More listens and everyone will become a victim of this group's genius. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  

   ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 12 - 2019

       
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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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