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TUULETAR
Rajatila/Borderline
(2019 - Bafe's Factory - Finland)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xqCFiI-i-wlCOXjux0Kiv2C0oYNL9BDmRnzFeyaU3bM/viewform

http://bafesfactory.fi/tuuletar/discography.html

Doing visionary, mesmerizing, and magical things with their voices (and music) these four fascinating Finnish women artists present their 2nd full length album 'Rajatila/Borderline.' Their debut featured what they coined "Vocal Folk Hop" but that description is simply not adequate with this one. Even more mystical, Tuuletar go deeper into the hallowed regions of the spirit world, slipping outside of ancient folktales, sometimes in delicate voice, other times in exercise of curious out of body resolve. In whatever the subject, all 11 works are masterful and phenomenal.

Far more experimental and avant-garde this release, the adventurous outfit of Venla Ilona Blom, vocals, beatboxing. percussion/ Sini Koskelainen, vocals / Johanna Kyykoski, vocals, pokers/ and Piia Sailynoja, vocals, hand drum, with guests Pekko Kappi - bowed lyre, vocals/ and Antti Paalanen - accordion, roaring, have made an empirical and superior recording that early fans of the groundbreaking Swedish/Finnish hybrid band Hedningarna wish that group had continued from their beginnings. In fact, I looked hard for the possibility that any of the female singers from that band might have been part of Tuuletar. Even with the occasional said influences popping up to western ears, those styles are far from what is expected. For instance, any dance or techno may perhaps have a steady drum beat, however the vocals, various instruments and effects, are arranged in a whole different world.

The translated title ('Borderline') is very telling as to the stretched to the limits performances and compositions that illustrate each venture. Each song is translated for English only speaking audience as well. The initial listen will keep you in a pleasant suspense, with soul lifting conclusion. Following auditions continue to supply the listener with hidden discoveries and significant boundaries that have been crossed. This is a must have, a remarkable recording of many layers and great breadth. A fine physical package with lyrics, eye catching artwork, and pictures over a 6 panel digipak. This will clear the cobwebs out of your mind. GIGANTIC RECOMMENDATION.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 8 - 17 - 2019

  
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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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