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SYRINX CALL

The Moon On A Stick

(2018 – Afraid of Sunlight Records – GERMANY)

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https://syrinxcall.bandcamp.com/album/the-moon-on-a-stick-featuring-isgaard

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A gorgeous sophomore album by masters of expression Volker Kunke (who directed this project) and Jens Lueck (who did sound engineering and production). Both have worked together on many previous recordings other than Syrinx Call, but this and their debut ‘Wind In The Woods’ (which put a high mark on the progressive celtic/classical/art rock world), rank extremely prominent on my most loved music list of this genre.

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As did the first, ‘The Moon On A Stick’ features Isgaard on vocals. Part of the album is heart achingly beautiful instrumental, along with some angelic voice/vocals by either or both Doris Packbiers and Isgaard, with Jens Lueck performing lead vocals on ‘Breathe In’ ( track 9), ‘Wait For The Light Of Day’ (track 10), and the last track (12) ‘The Man In The Spotlight’, in which Volker also adds voice. Monika and Ian Lewis contribute voice on this song too. The entire list of credits are : Volker Kuinke (Alto-, Soprano-, Tenor-, Bass- and Great bass recorder, Voice on 12), Jens Lueck (Vocals on 9, 10 and 12, Keyboards, Moog, Piano, Drums, Percussion and Programming), Isgaard (Vocals on 3, 9 and 10, Backing vocals on 4), Doris Packbiers (Vocals on 1, 2, 6 and 8, Backing vocals on 3 and 4, Voice on 12), Jan Petersen (Electric guitar on 2, 5, 10 and 12), Jürgen Osuchowski (Acoustic- and Western guitar on 1 and 4), Joachim Schlüter (Slide guitar on 1), Katja Flintsch (Viola and Violin on 3, 4, 6, 8 and 11), Annika Stolze (Violoncello on 3, 5, 6, 8 and 11), along with Monika and Iain Lewis (Voice on 12). So you can see what a nice ensemble this is, giving it the symphonic support it floats so well in.

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The compositions glow with such a majestic air, carrying each melody like a feather on the breath of God. (a nod to Hildegard von Bingen from yours truly). The arrangements are ultra-rich and have a true full orchestra sound. Even on the occasional break into a semi heavy passage, the atmosphere keeps the powerful paradisiacal feel out front, much like a post rock vein at times. As always, the production and execution is superb. The instrumentation is spotless. Volker’s various recorder work is sparkling, and Jens drums, keyboards, percussion, programming and vocals are spectacular. The entire cast is fanciful and simply great. By the time you get to the final cut, you’ll be ready for take off. With a Pink Floyd-like gem, that gently moves into that huge celtic fusion world Syrinx Call are so good at, the somewhat ‘Comfortably Numb’ beginning gives way to silky melody and chorus running on ultimate eargasm. After Jan Peterson knocks out the sweet David Gilmour-like lead, then the feathers settle. The whole disc is so grand that only a scrooge would dislike it.  RECOMMENDED!

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Reviewed by Lee Henderson 10 – 25 – 2018

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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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