top of page
the_enid_first_light_400x400.jpg

THE ENID

First Light

(2014 - Operation Seraphion - UK)

http://www.theenid.co.uk/

Remarkable disc by ever-loving, everlasting and ever so fantastic classical progressive rock band that has often stunned listeners since the godhead days of 1976 (In the Region of Summer Stars) and 1976 (Aerie Faerie Nonsense). The present line-up of The Enid is Joe Payne (vocals, EWI). Robert John Godfrey – the foundation, rock, and visionary of the band throughout its time (keyboard and orchestration). Max Read (guitar, vocals and choirs, EWI, programming), Jason Ducker (guitar), Dominic Tofield (drums), and Dave Storey (drums on “Mayday Galliard”).

While some have divided feelings about the direction The Enid have ventured over the last few recordings, there is no doubt that the glorious symphonic and epic atmosphere the band has always had a talent for creating, is still larger than life. Perhaps more active in the esoteric pop world at some points (think a lush Godly and Crème/Queen/10cc/ with The Enid’s own stamp). The heavy orchestrations and gorgeous sweeping crescendo perfect pieces still remain in kind. The band also continues to bring in magnificent theatre pieces that both move and put the listener into trance mode for the soothing and heavenly affect they have. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine Freddy Mercury doing this, if he was still alive, and that is a gigantic compliment.

Eight compositions and pure majesty falls upon all those who listen attentively, without distractions, just glued to the music! I was stunned several times throughout “First Light” and cannot give it enough praise. Reinvented The Enid it may be but as a fan since their vinyl debut, I can’t be more enthusiastic or elated about the state of things here. Last cut is live from an earlier show “Mayday Galliard” with drummer Dave Storey which is divine. I would have wished to be so lucky to catch a live show of this release. Recommended!!!

Reviewed by Lee Henderson – November 16, 2014

AQUA FRAGILE_Moving Fragments_COVER.jpg

© 2023 by Name of Site. Proudly created with Wix.com

 
 
BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest




Payments of any amount (all donations, no matter how small, are truly cherished) can be sent by PAYPAL  to:
drumlee@proton.me

This magazine exists on kind donations and music related advertisements (although the ads are limited and in no way accepted for favors in reviews). All funds are used to pay for website, domain, and the endless hours of work that is required to keep the reviews and various information  in process. Any donation is extremely appreciated. Thank you.
Donate with PayPal

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


 

bottom of page