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YONDER POND

Pondering Aloud

(2017 – Remy – SWITZERLAND)

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https://yonderpond.bandcamp.com/album/pondering-aloud

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A second solo (self release) by Remy Stauli of Switzerland, who has spent many years in the music scene with various bands ranging from Zappa cover group (Fido Plays Zappa) to avant jazz rock (older avant prog lovers may recall Spaltklang and Yolk). On Remy’s first solo (‘The Elf Album’ – 1997) he released it under his actual name. It was a much overlooked masterpiece of early Canterbury delight, with vocals, keys, drums, guitar, all done by him, and a hair more aggressive than this Yonder Pond project, 20 years later. He describes ‘Pondering Aloud’ as progressive rock, which was/is his first love.

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This new solo has a somewhat Supersister sound, with equal parts early Caravan. So not too different than his first in overall style. The Canterbury sound is certainly present. Not to scare off progressive rock fans but 9 out of the 10 songs are under 6 minutes, and some of those are around the 3 minute region. The last track is almost 10 1/2 minutes and will make many people very happy. This early 70's style is cheerful, slightly quirky, and eccentric. It is infectious, even if nostalgic, and is so full of an atmosphere we just don’t get these days.

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Remy invented the trio mentioned in the credits (Emyr Taurelis, Rembrandt Van Der Straal, and Remily Lane). A play on names and puzzle of letters make up Yonder Pond with the important exception of some real guest musicians (Pascal Grunenfelder – bass, Stef Strittmatter – guitars and sitars, Markus Stauss – flute, Beat Burkhard – sounds, & Flavio Gallacchi – handclaps). The liberal use of flute, which flutters over many of the songs like a colorful butterfly of Canterbury ghosts, is secure in keeping the music light at heart. Of course the drum work is exact and just right, never overplayed. Except for the vocals (by Remy) that have a distinct sound that although not a mimic of anyone else, ‘Pondering Aloud’ could be a long lost R. J. Stips album, or unreleased Supersister platter.

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Everything is exceedingly pleasant and well done, with some brilliant moments that grab you hard. Lots of memorable lines and great use of piano, mellotron, chorus, and hooks. No question that tracks like ‘Who Do They Think They Are’ (track 9) will be a classic, with its extra percussion, twists and unforgettable tag line. That is right before the only long song, which between the two, is worth the price alone. ‘Everyone Is Banging The Drums’ (track 10) is fantastic, with all the earmarks of an epic Canterbury jewel. Everything about it is perfect. Anything and everything a Supersister lover could want. ‘Pondering Aloud’ will be a nice surprise for many. No avant music, just cool Canterbury style with all the trappings that make that genre so appealing and insatiable to all with good taste. RECOMMENDED.

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Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 – 30 – 2017

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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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