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SIRKIS/BIALAS IQ
Our New Earth
(2019- Moonjune Records - USA)

https://asafsirkis.bandcamp.com/album/our-new-earth

Am immense global fusion of both earthly delights and beyond this world intrepid explorations. From the peak highs of Flora Purim, Azimuth (with John Taylor and Norma Winstone), sacred middle eastern, South Indian music (Asaf performs a vocal percussive style called konnakol), Polish folk, classical, to the most adventurous ECM, even some Canterbury jazz at the end, and high cliff jumps in supreme composition and interplay, it all occurs among these four artists. Almost too good for words.

A 2 disc concept project that tackles the present condition of our world, with all its illness, and the invitation of Sirkis/Bialas IQ to enter their new world, to temporarily escape that seemingly hopeless earth. However, the band's real wish is for people to take a new look, a more active role, in trying to better our planet and thus make a 'new earth'. If I say it simple, it is because this topic need not be complex or with intellectual words, it just needs to be clear to every human, one all all.

The broad elements and instrumentation of this 2nd release by the group is far more reaching and with greater adventure. Sylwia Bialas (lead and backing vocals, waterphone) takes both her wordless and often exotic vocals to new places, being an instrument and brush stroke alternately. Her love for Nordic folk, overtone singing, and many world genres allow a kaleidoscope of colors to happen. Asaf Sirkis (drums, percussion, frame drums, crotales, konnakol) has never sounded better, and he captures all the nuances and emphasis with his drum kit and percussives with brilliance.  Although providing exquisite framework, Frank Harrison (piano, organ, various other keyboards) and Kevin Glasgow (6 string electric bass) give absolute foundation and vigor to the excellence on 'Our New Earth'. With 'Reminiscence' (track #4/Side 1), Sirkis gets to showcase some drum solo work with grand finesse. All musicians show mastery of their craft and this new vision provides an extraordinary stage to journey new ideas, trespass old norms, and allow their thirsty ruminations to flourish.

Two platters of music may challenge the quick sound byte generations, however this listener stayed bewitched moment by moment, as I witnessed wonder in this clear-sighted musical stimulation. The acuity of it all, the sheen, the well developed theme, the depth and the presence all give 100% gratification. A luscious 11 compositions that will saturate your sense and perhaps give hope to the hopelessness that chokes our world of humanity and belief. Speaking with Sylwia and Asaf (who I have been familiar with for some years), they not only are genuinely nice and personable people, but leave their egos at the door when making music. Same as all the members do here. One can actually hear and perceive the equality in the studio, and in the execution of each part. Tracks 2,3,7,8,9 & 11 were composed by Asaf Sirkis, and tracks 1,4,6 & 10 were written by Sylwia Bialas, who also did all lyrics and vocal arrangements. All arrangements of the music were done by Sirkis and Bialas, who also produced the album. Special mention to Leonardo Pavkovic of Moonjune Records for executive production.  

The 2nd side (2nd disc) continues the conception and enigmatic progression. The forces stay positive and foster additional aesthetic order. The instrumentation expands and the title cut 'Our New Earth' is where the South Indian music is huge, with Asaf using the konnakol style rhythmic voice, along with frame drum, other exotic percussion, all backed by a sitar loop. Then more development takes things to a church organ and the arrangement results in a totally amazing creation. Big energy is injected, a bigger plateau is approached and conquered. A world fusion stunner and a climax to remember, as each musician goes beyond and elsewhere. It is the most extended piece (11:17) on the double album, and in it, things get sacred, celestial, and totally stellar. The music takes you into a rare orbit, to which you may never want to come down from. This alone is worthy of the term epic if there ever was one. A composition with majestic moments and cavernous atmosphere, prized fusion, and breezy voice lifted passage.

Anyone who only spot checks this project, or just listens to Disc 1, will surely miss one the best summits of the recording. A most enchanting release and peerless at this point. The physical 6 panel 2 CD format comes with booklet, and beautiful art on digi-pak as well as the two discs, all done by Sylwia Bialas. Give thanks for this band and their output. Phenomenal! So deep in cerebral bath, brain cell multiplication and just pure eargasm, it is salient. An album of the highest professionalism, most tasteful and thoughtful performance, gifted composing, and utterly gripping listening experience. This is not only a new earth, but a new universe that Sirkis/Bialas IQ have created. A MASSIVE RECOMMENDATION.

   ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 11 - 18 - 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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