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PAUL STEEL

Carousel Kites : April & II

(2018 – Raygun Records – UK)

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http://www.raygunmusic.com/paulsteel/

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A monster eccentric propagative art pop opus!!. Actually set up as a sequel to his 2007 ‘April & I’ release, which was his last offering to the world as a solo artist named Paul Steel, the official title became ‘Carousel Kites’ with a subtitle of such (formerly to be named ‘April & II’). It took Paul ten years to find the time and place to produce this newest gem, due to becoming a husband, father, and provider with a substantial job. After years spent in producing other artists music, and working in the commercial pop world, just to make a living, Paul has arrived once again with music he actually wants to do and has dreamed of doing since a teen. His first full length was ‘Moon Rock’ (2007) and big names such as Andy Partridge (XTC) paid attention to Paul’s talent. A couple of singles and then ‘April & I’ , Paul seemed to disappear off the map for the lush grandiose pop/power pop/Beach Boys/plus eargasmic music that he made in those works. He does have notable work in a duo with Murray Macleod called Cold Crows Dead (and also a more obscure EP as CCD under the name LL Cosmonaut, which could give The Buggles a run for their money). But this is the year of 2018 for a brand new solo that is equally mysterious, fully loaded with talent, slightly rebellious, epic, and filled with a few more strands of music influences.

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A grand master of songsmithing, who should have a doctorate degree to inject everyone on the planet with a dose of happy feel good music. Paul took the sounds of 10CC, ELO, Pilot (emphasis on Ian Bairnson, William “Billy” Lyall, and David Paton), Queen, Jigsaw, Stackridge, and New Musik, then on this release he adds a whole new platter of nods to Moody Blues, Steely Dan, Beagle Boys, Breant Cash, America, CSN & Y, and Jeremy Enigk. What a box of chocolates it is!

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The tunes are divided into three parts consisting of 15 tracks that will grab even the most persnickety music lover. This is top shelf pop music with harmonies from heaven, giant hooks, epic swoops, and larger than life string arrangements. And this time Paul uses a fairly large ensemble of guest musicians to aid the sweet sounds. Any lover of exuberant electronically fused, orchestrated, baroque pop, artrock and power pop will be falling all over themselves for this. Note that this was originally done through Pledge Music so limited edition copies and various offerings were given. An extremely cool large booklet with keyhole in center was issued (ltd ed of 300) and just recently another batch of physical CD’s have been reissued, although not the oversized booklet, but so well worth owning. There is nothing like a physical format to hold and cherish the rest of your life.

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The adventuresome pop addict and the progressive pop devotees far and wide, will thank their lucky stars to hear music such as this, which simply does not exist anymore. Give heed to an independent thinker, shaker, prodigy, masterful composer/arranger/musician, who has returned to claim his throne. Paul refused to sign with big labels and play their control games, and all these years, we the music lovers get the rewards. The world receives a rare and prized gift. As colorful as a store full of oriental kites (yes I said it), and a disc of generous unbelievably arresting pop songs, colossal in depth, width and scope. Mr Paul Steel bestows ‘Carousel Kites’ to you! MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

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Reviewed by Lee Henderson 9 – 24 – 2018

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AQUA FRAGILE_Moving Fragments_COVER.jpg

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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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