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SONAR

Vortex

(2018 – RARENOISE RECORDS – Switzerland)

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https://www.rarenoiserecords.com/sonar

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The fourth release by inventive Swiss instrumental outfit sees a great addition with producer, composer and guitarist extraordinaire David Torn. For those who do not know, the band’s name stands for SONic ARchitecture. There are a small number of bands/artists using tritones as a base for their compositions and all of them sound very different from each other. Sonar master Stephan Thelen (guitar) made the decision to use tritones from his previous experience, which allowed him to play otherwise impossible parts. Originally the band also made the decision to put away all electronic effects and focus on clean guitar. With this new album however, maestro atmospheric effects guitar artist and producer David Torn, came to play with the band with unanimous victory. With this formation of band mates, Bernhard Wagner (guitar), Christian Kuntner (electric bass) and Manuel Pasquinelli (drums), all proceed to take their progressive, intricate rhythmic, part minimalist, slightly ambient, and all out mathematical inventions, to a whole new level of greatness.

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For many, what will first dawn on you is the similar stylings of Robert Fripp’s distinct interlocking guitar picking patterns, introduced back on the King Crimson ‘Discipline’ album, which made waves in the progressive rock world without question. This was further expounded with Fripp’s The League of Crafty Guitarists, who brought the school of this technique to a large ensemble of polyrhythm heaven. With Sonar’s vision and David Torn’s additions (electric guitar, live-looping & manipulation), you can imagine the power and the glory that incurs. The lineup gives the appreciative fan a glee in the head and heart. For newcomers, start here and then go backwards. ‘Vortex’ is ripe with polished dynamic and harmonic rhythms seldom heard. ‘Part 44’ ( track 1 – 9:56 minutes) starts off with a definitive nod to King Crimson, with it’s luminous web of arpeggios from the guitarists. ‘Red Shift’ (track 2 – 10:31 minutes) continues a Mr. Fripp influenced guitar showcase with the unmistakable brilliance of Torn adding atmospheric godhead.

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A frontline of three distinguished axemen, a superb bass and drum section, how can they go wrong? And nothing goes wrong. Each composition is perfection to an end. The listener is presented with six extended pieces that have both a floating but yet gently driving floor. The mix is such that the lucky person receiving, can relax, easily hear each note and all the precise structures occurring in each work. No filler, no fluff, just masterful execution of each instrumental part. Fans of previous Sonar recordings will be extremely pleased, and Torn lovers will be reminded of his ‘Cloud About Mercury’ days. The title track ‘Vortex’ (track 5 – 9:37 minutes)  edges out and retains a slightly dangerous rhythmic interplay, bringing the boldest display out on the platter. A somewhat heavier bass and a forceful performance is worth the money alone. I am happy to report that you will not find any fault with this release. The entire offering is a sublime instrumental achievement that ranks as one of the finest outputs of 2018. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Reviewed by Lee Henderson 3 – 10 – 2018

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BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

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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