Quorum
Klubkin's Voyage
(2011 - MALS - Russia)
Quorum are a Russian progressive rock band who claim to be neo prog but they dip into a lot of classic progressive rock as their sound and style. Although they have been together since 2003, this is actually the first official full length release for the world to hear. Klubkin's Voyage is based on a scientific TV show called Klub Kinoputeshestviy, which was about discoveries, travel, and adventures. Quorum took the themes and added dreams. It’s all very interesting and the whole concept works well from the cover art to the music.
The CD begins with a very beautiful piece that instantly reminds one of mid and late period Camel, then extends to similar sounds of the instrumentals of the band Renaissance. Dominant use of lead guitar and keyboards along with a tight rhythm section gives the listener confidence in the capability of this group. The vocals are in Russian which greatly adds to the atmosphere. The harmonies are memorable, the music is strong. I do hear pretty much all the bands they claim influence from like Rush. Genesis, and 70's rock which seems to be all American progressive rock bands like Styx and Kansas, but I hear a very strong Camel and Pink Floyd influence as well. You will also hear some classical, Spanish flamenco, Latin and jazz incorporated into the music. There are no shortages of strong tight riffs and beautiful melodies all around. You’ll be gifted with many little twists and unexpected developments in some of the songs too.
The members are Dmitry Shtatnov (keyboards, vocals), Pavel Barabanov (guitars), Sergey Niconorov (drums), Elena Kanevskaya (live keyboards, vocals), Dmitry Drogounov (flutes, guitars) and Vladimir Yanovsky (bass-guitar). Everyone is very professional and shows high quality musicianship on each song, and the variety of the 16 songs is outstanding. The theme and title of the release is perfect, as the aural visuals come easy with each song being an adventure. Some compositions are quite complex and a tremendous amount of ideas are packed into them. Quorum show they can rock out on a couple cuts. There are no weak tracks and it is safe in saying anyone who likes the more adventurous mellow to classic progressive rock, like mentioned in this review, will be able to enjoy this entire recording from start to finish. I know I was pleasantly surprised just how consistently excellent this was. Recommended!
Reviewed by Lee Henderson on April 30th, 2011
