The Steve Hillage Band LIVE – Live at the Gong Family Unconvention
The first live performance ofThe Steve Hillage Band in 25 years!
London, UK – The Gong Family Unconvention at the Melkweg club in Amsterdam in November 2006 was a unique 3 day event in which all the original members of the legendary psychedelic band Gong came together and performed their own individual sets.
Guitar legend Steve Hillage, who was a prominent part of the “classic” Gong line-up of 1973-75 felt it was a great opportunity perform again some of the songs from his 1970s solo albums. Steve Hillage is widely considered a guitar innovator, and is associated with the Canterbury scene, working in experimental domains since the late 1960s. Besides his critically acclaimed solo recordings, along with Gong, Steve has been a member of the ensembles Khan and System 7.
Steve’s live set at the Gong Family Unconvention in 2006 provoked a rush of excitement and emotion at the event, and this was beautifully captured on film and recording – and is now available on this DVD and CD.
Performing with Steve were his long-time musical partner Miquette Giraudy on synthesisers, Gong bass player Mike Howlett who played on Steve’s ‘Fish Rising’ album from 1975, and Gong drummer Chris Taylor who started playing with the band in the 1990s. Also guesting was Basil Brooks on synthesiser, who played in Steve’s band in the ’70s.
Tracks played were as follows:
- Hello Dawn (from the album ‘Motivation Radio’)
- It’s AH Too Much (the Beatles cover – from the album ‘L’)
- Aftaglid (from the album ‘F ish Rising’)
- Solar Musick Suite (from ‘Fish Rising’)
- The Salmon Song (from ‘Fish Rising’)
- These Uncharted Lands (from the album ‘For To Next’ and never before
played live)
In addition the audio CD has 4 exclusive bonus tracks from Steve’s 1970’sarchive. Tracks recorded live at Amsterdam’ s Sonesta Koepelkerk on Dec 14th 1979. The DVD has bonus material in the form of a substantial interview with Steve and Miquette. And also background clips from around the Gong Melkweg event.
The Audio for the CD and DVD was mixed by Steve in his A-Wave Studio. And has a rich and warm sound. The DVD was edited by long time friend and Gong family member Harry Williamson in his Spring Studio in Melbourne Australia.
If indeed Steve does create some more music in the psychedelic rock sphere this powerful and unique live recording can be seen as a launch pad. Steve currently sees his System 7, Mirror System, and Steve Hillage Band entities as operating in parallel and has been writing some new rock-based material
for a possible Steve Hillage Band album for release in 2013/14.
A warm Live DVD/CD package for every Steve Hillage fan.
85 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Big Big Train – English Electric (Part One)
English Electric: was a British industrial manufacturer. Founded in 1918, it initially specialised in industrial electric motors and transformers. Its activities would expand to include railway locomotives and traction equipment, steam turbines, consumer electronics, guided missiles, aircraft and computers. Big Big Train present us with eight new songs. It take us on a journey through the English landscape, from the mining towns of the north to the chalk hills of the south.
Along the way, extraordinary tales are told of inland navigators, art-forgers, miners and men of industry.Stories of people who dream of the daylight but are given up to the depths.
English Electric is a celebration of the people that work on, and under, the land and who made the hedges and the fields, the docks, the towns and the cities.
‘English Electric (Part One)’ is a joy from beginning to end.
Having appeared as a guest on their last release drummer Nick D’Virgilio (formerly Spock’s Beard) is now a permanent member. On English Electric, Big Big Train, with special guest musicians including Andy Tillison (The Tangent), Louis Philippe, Rachel Hall (Stackridge), Danny Manners (Robert Wyatt, Cathal Coughlan), are joined by a brass band and string quartet.
This album has a big rich sound with overwhelming nuances. Great songwriting and craftmenship and wonderfull harmonies. The first feeling i’ve got was that it had a sound that was familiar.
Old genesis came into mind but that would sell these guys short. This is wihout a doubt 2012 best album. The First Rebreather blew my mind a way. And that was the perfect setting for the rest of the album.
Fav Tracks:
- The First rebreather
- Winchester from ST Giles Hill
- A Boy in Darkness
- Hedgerow
95 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
English Electric Part One will be followed by English Electric Part Two in March 2013.
Prospekt
Prospekt are a British Progressive Metal band gaining a solid reputation throughout their hometown Oxford and the surrounding areas for creating a fresh and intelligent approach to ‘Prog’.Taking influence from such as Dream Theater,Symohony X and Opeth, Prospekt combine the technicality of progressive metal with the symphonic elements of contemporary Prog.
Formed in 2008 by guitarist Lee Luland and drummer Blake Richardson, Prospekt began as an experimental project, with the main focus on complex instrumentation. They forged a sound that would epitomise Prospekt’s music, technical and yet progressive.
With the addition of bassist Phol Wicker and vocalist Matt Winchester (at the end of 2009) Prospekt began writing material for their first EP.
After composing four tracks of modern progressive metal. The band recorded at their own home studio during summer 2010 with the addition of newest member Richard Marshall on Keyboards.
By delicately combining brutal riffs, coupled with odd time-signatures, passionate higher ranged vocals, frenetic guitqr work and solid grooves, each Prospekt composition remains both interesting and original.
Prospekt are now preparing for their first full length album. With five new songs already in the pipeline, the goal is to complete the album at the end of 2011.
Without hesitation I dare to say this should be signed immediately. A wonderfull debut mini-Album.
It’s a freight train running over you. The mixed Vocals/Grunts is a superb hibryd betweenTechnical Metal and Progressive Symphonical rock. Stunning rhythm section with screaming Guitar extravaganza.
The dream theater comparison is selling them too short. The music stands out on its own.
Favorite numbers are all of them but shroud takes the lead.
I’m Looking forward to the follow-up album.
Untill then everyone should listen and appriciate this Metal/Prog Combo called Prospekt.
A full 100 % for this British Breakthrough Discovery
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Line up:
Vocals – Matt Winchester
Guitars – Lee Luland
Bass – Phil Wicker
Keyboards – Richard Marshall
Drums – Blake Richardson
Website:
http://www.myspace.com/prospektoxford
http://prospekt.bandcamp.com
Contact:
prospektoxford@live.co.uk or prospect@live.co.uk
Dainoya – Obscurity Divine
A common passion, inspiration and way of seeing the world led, in June 2008, two friends – guitarist Janek Niedzielski and vocalist Filip Zielinski – to join forces on a project called Dianoya.
Before long they assembled a full band: longtime friend and drummer Lukasz Chmielinski; bassist Adam Pierzchala; and at the end of the year guitarist Maciej Papalski.
Determination and hard work enabled them to succeed in recording, registering and releasing the band’s ambitious debut material on the album “Obscurity Divine”.
Poland is becoming known as a provider of good solid progressive rock. And Dianoya are a good example of top quality with wonderful melodies all played with great skill and feeling.
You can add Dianoya to the list of Polish bands including Riverside, SBB, Quidam, Satellite and many more.
The Riverside comparisons is of course obvious but that isn’t necessary a negative fact.
The music is moody, haunting and dark, filled with edgy atmospheres and complex musical passages
Favorite tracks:
-Dreamlack
-Severence
-Sepia
95 %
Ron “the doorwaymaster” Vermulst
Amaran’s Plight – Voice in the Light
This Progressive supergroup “Amaran’s Plight” is delivering the goods all the way.
From “Spock’s Beard” Drummer/Singer Nick D’virgillio to “Shadow gallery’s” Gary Wehrkamp.
In 2006 the idea for the band Amaran’s Plight came to form and they immediately went to work for an impressive debut album to write and record.
The Music can be seen as sometimes very intense and technically with flashy solos adorned, sometimes calm and collected with a nice tension.
Good examples are “Incident At Haldeman ‘Lake’, the obligatory epic ‘Shattered Dreams’ and ‘Turning Point’ which has a nice atmosphere like Queensryche.
One of the highlights of this summer!
All in all not a bad album indeed!!!
92 %
Ron ” the doorwaymaster” Vermulst
Hope To Find – Still Constant
The four songs together account for about 28 minutes of modern prog that are best descibred as a mix between Porcupine Tree and Riverside.
The songs does a little bit linger in the same rhythms.
The overall feeling is good but there is much room for improvement.
For the most part the songs are well written and played.
Sadly the one weak link is the singer of the lack of a good vocalist.
I very like the thirds song Witness of Happiness.
I hear in the back ground influences of Pendragon,IQ and Steve Hackett.
65 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Strawberry Fields – River’s Gone Dry
Strawberry Fields music is a strange blend of the old and the new,
of rock guitars and soft keyboards,loops and psychedelic soundscapes.
Strawberry Fields is a rock band from Poland. Created in 2008 by Wojtek Szadkowski (Collage, Satellite, Peter Pan) fascinated by the voice of Robin (Marta Kniewska).
On the band’s debut album entitled “Rivers Gone Dry” Robin is supported by the intelligent guitar play of Sarhan Kubeisi (Satellite), simple yet effective bass lines of Jarek Michalski (Satellite), and Wojtek Szadkowski’s keyboards and drums. Guest appearance was done by keyboardist Krzys Palczewski (Satellite) Who is now a member of the band.
It’s a perfect album for the lovers of such bands as Goldfrapp, Portishead or Massive Attack. Marta’s voice will also satisfy fans of Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gathering/ Agua De Annique).
But you can find strong pop melodies and a bit of Clannad within.
The music has a poppy,catchy feeling.
On the whole this is a fine and pleasant album too listen too.
89 %
Ron ”thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Lisa LaRue – Transformation 2012
Lisa LaRue grew up in Topeka, Kansas, but now resides in her native Oklahoma.
She is a tribal member of the federally-recognized
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma,
where she also serves as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.
She began playing keyboards as a small child,
her grandmother noticing she was playing
“These Boots are Made for Walkin’” on her Magnus Chord organ.
Sought out by shopping malls and department malls as a young girl,
she started writing her own songs and designing her own ‘album covers.’
This led and inspired her for her future career.
A composer and keyboardist, LaRue became the first female artist signed
to the Sound of American Records label (SOAR0 Natural Visions sublabel.
Lisa Larue’s Transformation 2012
The disc is themed around the Mayan prophecy of the transition
into a new world age on December 21, 2012.
“Many people speak of the prophecy as ‘doom and gloom’ the end of the world.
But the Mayan elders teach it is a time for transformation.
A time for things to change for the better,” said LaRue.
The CD includes guest appearances from up and coming artists such as electric violinist James Sudakow and Kerri Lake, as well as seasoned veterans such as Tommy Zvoncheck (former Blue Oyster Cult keyboardist)
and John Payne (“Asia” – featuring John Payne). Payne provides the vocals on the single from the CD, “Save Me.”
“No other voice could have conveyed the feelings of this song than John Payne,” LaRue said. “The song is about going through all of the tribulations we see our world entering everyday on the news, but with the help of a good friend, a significant other, or even a trusted pet, we can get through it all just fine.”
83 %
Ron”thedoorwaymaster”Vermulst
Saga – The Human Condition
Thousand of SAGA fans have all been asking themselves the exact same question:
how will the band sound after vocalist Michael Sadler’s departure?
On their latest album the band has kept a fresh aproach on their excisting sound.
Virtuoso solo passages with intelligent arrangements. And of course progressive rock
that rocks your socks off.
“The Human Condition” is 100 % Saga.
In the fall of 2007 founding member Michael Sadler made his departure
in a amicable seperation. Sadler’s departure from the band never called
the existence of the group in question.
They immediately started a global search for a new frontman.
In 2008 they came across Rob Moratti.
It’s precisely the contrast between the smooth keyboard parts and the breaks of Ian crichton’s guitarplay that is the strongest and most distinctive side of SAGA.
“Rob’s voice is different than Michael’s but he cuts the older tunes really great.”
The overall sound of Saga hasn’t changed but of course a New Singer brings a big change with it.
Hate or love it give but it a fair change.
People should approach this album with an open mind and view it as a new band.
In my Case “The Human Condition” has won me over in just a couple of turns.
Progressive Suprise from Canada 75 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Dream Aria – Transcend
Dream Aria blew me away in 2005 with their ambient-gothic rock album “IN THE WAKE”.
Now world music fusionists are back with their follow-up Transcend
Don Stagg’s new compositions are filled with new energy and vitality.
The music on trancend has many influences;Yes, Hawkind, Uriah Heep, Pink Floyd, Enigma and Renaissance.
On “Transcend” there are eleven compact numbers.
My only criticism is that i get a feeling when in i listen to the tracks,
that in some cases that the numbers are not completed enough/a feeling of wanting more.
The overal sound of the group is powerfull, pulsating, rythmic and polished.
Highlights are The Rythm Of Now, Transcend ,Rebecca and Compassion.
This album is a natural progression from “in the wake”.
A matured Dream Aria has arrived, and is here to stay.
The “Doorway” to a wider audience has opened!!!
I can recommend this album too every progressive rock fan and beyond.
This is a treat for every global Music Lover.
100%
Ron”the Doorwaymaster”Vermulst
Low Budget Orchestra – The Second Best
Low Budget Orchestra “The Second Best” In One word very impressive result for this one mans project.
Low Budget Orchestra plays instrumental progressive rock, with a slight leaning to metal.
Being progressive rock – a musical style with a long history and many variations.
The purpose of Low Budget Orchestra is to produce high quality music and well produced sound by budgetary means. The aim is set up high – to build a huge wall of sound that absorbs the listener within.
The overall sound of the cd is a wide sound of layers of keys and guitars.
Wow what a great effort
Low Budget Orchestras the Second Best is a joy to listen to. I can recommend to listen to in its entire length.
I hear a lot of influences but mostly by Keith Emerson and Vinnie Moore.
This album is an open invite to some excellent musicianship.
Symphonical Extravaganza from Finland 92 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Edensong – The Fruit Fallen
Edensong’s “The Fruit Fallen” have releashed one great debut album. Without no doubt this is the highlight of the year 2008.
If youre into Jethro Tull,Yes,Dream Theater,Shadow Gallery and Cyan you will adore Edensong. “The Fruit Fallen” is a kickass CD.
Eden’s Song-The Fruit Fallen is a must and I can recommend this for all progressive rock fans around the Globe.
Each song contains quiet and wilder parts and progressive mayhem Rock.
Edensong draws deeply from classic symphonic progressive acts, with deep structures that resemble those of early Genesis or Yes.
Edensong influences come from from Gregorian chant to Grunge to craft a truly original Sound.
The Fruit Fallen is the debut album from Edensong and the brainchild of singer/guitarist James Byron Schoen.
The album blends elements of rock folk,classical,flamenco,electronic into its own of a truly rare progressive mix.
Folky Progressive Suprise 90 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Martin Orford – The Old Road
He is best known for his 26-year career as keyboardist and main songwriter with legendary prog rock band IQ.
Though he was also a significant player for many years in Jadis and also The John Wetton Band.
He releashed his first solo album “Classical Music and Popular Songs in September 2000
Martin left IQ in 2007 to work on solo material and the old road is the culmanation of this project.
The album features an all star line-up including John Wetton (Asia) , Nick DVirgilio and Dave Meros (Spocks Beard), John Mitchell (It Bites),Gary Chandler (Jadis).
Martin Describes the album as unashamedly retro and proud of it
Nice Driven songs, some quiet others with more upbeat tempo.
This one great album written in the same tradition of IQ and Jadis. Buy it and maybe Martin could reconsider his decision to leave the music business all together.
He is an outspoke critic of the internet and the so called Free music culture. If he really decides to stop this album provides a fitting and poignant farewell.
Retro Progressive Symphonic Rock 100 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
YES – Their Definitive Fully Authorized Story
Yes started late in the 60s, but only 70s and 80s they became progressive Dino’s.
This two DVD collection Their Definitive Fully Authorized Story. It chronicles the band from their very earliest days, through to their Mega Star stage. This is a fantastic package and you get as a viewer the full story from early beginnings to their mega stardom.
The first disc is a lengthy biography chronicling the history of Yes. Despite its length the information is interesting, especially if you are a Yes fan.
The interviews range from the band members themselves (former and current) to people who had an association with the band. It was fascinating hearing the stories going behind what led to their unique sound, which came from the members styles, and influences frombands such as the prog giant King Crimson.
The biography gives insight behind each album and all the moments of turmoil within the band. Yes doesnt necessarily have the perfect story, their history wasnt filled with excess and outrageous events which can make this a tougher watch for an outsider, but if you are interested in hearing about the music then this will probably be worth your while.
The second disc has three music videos and informal recordings of rehearsals which are a nice little extra. On this disc there are also more interviews that didnt make the first disc along with a grouping of still images. The music videos are for “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, “Wondrous Stories” and “Tempus Fugit”.
I would recommend this dvd to every yes fan or people who would to know yes.
A progressive suprise 89 %
Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
King’s X – XV
King’s X has released a fine new album and what a treat it is. The first thing that drifts on the surface is the memory of the album Gretchen goes to Nebraska , “Faith Hope Love and Ear Candy. With XV the band are definitely back to what they do so well.. In the beginning there was nothing and then there were The Beatles. All of a sudden King’s X came along with a mixture of rock, soul and gospel. And there you have it.
King’s X have a sound that cannot be mistaken. Doug Pinnick’s vocals are like an ‘love-arrow’ that pierces through the armored plated steel heart of those ‘blind’ people who shut of every human emotion; Ty Tabor’s vocals cover a melodic range will sets every restless mind at ease. In fact, Pinnick’s songs are more along the groovy heavy pounding style while Tabor’s songs have a more wide melodic range.
I have always had a love for trio’s because the sound is so basic: drums, bass and guitar. When done right, it is full and powerful; not spare and lean. I have seen King’s X play and I can reprot that they blast everyone away.
As for XV, from the first second to the last, I wasn’t at any moment disappointed. My favorite tracks are:
* Repeating myself
* Julie
* Alright
* I just want to live
* I don’t know
All in all, a Magical Beatleesque Extravaganza getting a very seldomly awared 100% from me.
P:O:B – Crossing Over
POB (Pedestrians of Blue) are a melodic and progressive hardrock band from Haugesund in Norway. They have developed a unique style by mixing modern grooves with the sounds of classic bands like Queensrÿche, Black Sabbath, Dream Theater and Toto. To date, the had recorded two EP’s, both of which received great reviews and spawned interest from various record companies before unleashing their first full length album on their own Fish farm label. The album, Crossing Over, tells the story of a young man’s struggle between Family,Love and Religion. Musically, Crossing Over takes the listener on a varied musical journey – from heavy to epic progressive rock. This strong metal/Rock influenced band from Norway are; in one word, fantastic. They mix heavy riffs with pounding rhythms accompanied with the softer tones of progressive melodies. POB’s Crossing Over should please the progressive fan and ordinary rock fan from down the corner equally effectively.
Clearly my overall impression is good,but the only remark of complaint that I make is that production-wise there could be some improvement in the sound of the band. I miss a warm depth in the production of this otherwise fantastic band and album.
My favorite tracks are:
* Father and Son
* Where the rain falls
* World of things
* The other side
* Out of the rain I give this a high score of 93 %
© Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Contrarian – MINOR Complexities
Contrarian sounds and feels like a long lost friend from the Eighties (KANSAS). But the aren’t a cheap rippof at all. The sound is Bombastic Progressive Rock I Hear also other influences from Shadow gallery to Genesis,Todd Rundgren.
Their great Vocalist has a similar range as Psychotic Waltz’s “Buddy lacky”. “Contrarian’s songs are wide-ranging, including lyrics inspired by the philosophical writings of Søren Kierkegaard (Fear and Trembling), Frederick Nietzsche (Twilight of the Idols), and Plato (Plato’s Cave).
Other songs cover history, religion and the broader concept of the “hierarchy of needs” as described by Abraham Maslow”. In the spring of 2007 final mixing and mastering of “Minor Complexities” began. On June 20, 2007 the initial pressing of “Minor Complexities” was received from Disc Makers.
Also on that date, word was received that United States Trademark protection was secured for the band’s name Contrarian. On June 22, 2007 “Minor Complexities” was released. On that date Tim and Joe traveled to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA to attend and promote “Minor Complexities” at the annual, three day NEARfest (North East Art Rock festival) concert series. NEARfest is held at the Zoeller Arts Center on the Lehigh campus and is a major gathering for progressive rock musicians, journalists and fans.
In July 2007 the band began performing as Contrarian, incorporating songs from “Minor Complexities” into its cover song repertoire. Also at that time two new additional members were recruited for Contrarian. Joe Suarez was recruited as drummer for Contrarian. Although Joe Suarez is a long-time friend of Tim’s they had never had the opportunity to play in a band together.
That opportunity came after Chuck Bailey announced he had to leave the band due to the constraints of playing in the two other bands of which he was a member before joining Class-X/Contrarian. Joe, a seasoned studio and live performance musician quickly learned the material and Contrarian was able to continue its gig schedule without missing a performance.
Also, guitarist and vocalist Mike Lenyo, who had previously played in the Trenton based band the Dawgs with drummer Joe Suarez, was recruited to join the band after he had come out to a gig and jammed with the band. His performance so impressed the band that he was immediately invited to join Contrarian.
If i know one thing for shure. This kind of music is joy too listen to, and this band is a thru JEM. From the first note from “Operation Overlord” it will be very clear this album will be played over and over. And yes the link with kansas is obvious.(LET FREEDOM CRY). “Twilight of the Idols” is a great up tempo number with great riff playing.
This band incorparates Big Progressive Soundscapes into Heavy rock. “Just Doing Time”Is a well written semi-ballad. I could review every song of the record seperate but the best advise i can give any prog-rock fan to listen it for them self or better buy it blind and enter the world of Contrarian.
All the songs are well written and yes indeed this is heavy EARCANDY for any Prog Rock metal based listener.I think as a reviewer that this album will stick with me for a long time and i will listen to it many times over.
My favorite tracks are
1. Twilight of the Idols
2. Just Doing Time
3. Stand or fall
4. Sanguine Bells
This is a uplifting retro Progressive Rock 92 %
© Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Burning Saviours – Nymphs & Weavers
Burning Saviours came together in 2003, They’ve named the band after a “PENTAGRAM” song from the album “Day of Reckoning”.
Their first Demo they releashed in 2004 and it generated a great buzz. Because of this they were added to the annual “Doom Shall Rise III Festival” as well as receiving a record deal with “I hate records”. IN 2005, they rleased their self-titled debut followed by their second album, “Hundus”, in 2006. A single was released on “Rise Above Records” in December 2006. This brings us up to date to their third album release “Nymphs and Weavers”. Nymphs and Weavers is progressive doom metal from Sweden and it is a musical hommage to the bands’ childhood favorites. Black Sabbath,Deep Purple,Uriah Heep and Jethro Tull. I find it very similar to early Trouble,Cathedral and Pentagram. My favorite tracks are:
* Pound Hillow Finest
* Woodnymph
* Signs
* Hillside mansion
This is a well done album for Prog-Doom fans: 78 %
© Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Saga – 10.000 Days
The First thing i have to say is that i’m sad that this is Michel Sadler’s farewell album and Tour and that he is leaving Saga for good. This album “10.000 Days” is a mix between:
1. Saga (1978)
2. Images At Twilight (1979)
3. Silent Knight (1980)
4. Worlds Apart (1981)
5. In Transit – Live (1982)
6. Heads or Tales (1983)
7. Behaviour (1985)
8. Wildest Dreams (1987)
9. The Beginner’s Guide To Throwing Shapes (1989)
10. The Security of Illusion (1993)
11. Steel Umbrellas (1994)
12. Generation 13 (1995)
13. Pleasure And The Pain (1997)
14. Phase One (1998)
15. Detours – Live (1998)
15.Full Circle (1999)
16. House of Cards (2001)
17. Marathon (2003)
18. Network (2004)
19. Chapters Live (2005)
20. Trust (2006)
Everyone should treasure this last effort from Michael Sadler and Saga.But I fear this will be the death of the sound of Saga.
I wish Michel Sadler and the rest of the band all the best in the future in whatever projects they will further venture. And i wish to thank them for all the years and all the albums of great music. I’m not reviewing any individual song titles because every song is a gem by any standard.
I can say that if you know Saga and their works you will love this album. If there are still people in this Universe who haven’t heard any songs from Saga,this will be your last chance to fall in love with this great band.
My favorite tracks are
1. Can’t you see me
2. Sound advice
3. 10.000 Day’s
4. It never ends.
A high score for a wonderful farewell record: 100 %
© Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
Cold Fairyland – Cold Fairyland
Cold Fairyland was established 2001 by Lin Di and bassist Su Yong. The name Cold Fairyland comes from Chinese translation of one of the Haruki Murakami’s books favored by Lin Di and reflects the sometimes dark tones of their music. A Shanghai music group, they are one of the most creative and skilled progressive rock bands in China. Their style combines Eastern melodies and rhythms with Western symphonic rock. While the fusion part is relatively easy to describe the music itself is not. Combining riffs that are in 7/8 or 13/8 and often layered to be played with different instruments simultaneously might make one to think the end result is a chaos, but the music is still entertaining and solid. Composer/arranger/keyboardist and Pipa master Lin Di has been playing pipa since she was 4 years old. Her arrangement skills bring out very surprising elements from the mix of cello/pipa/keyboards/bass/drums and electric guitar. Their latest effort is called Seeds on the Ground. The music is on one hand very easy to listen too. With sudden mood changes. On the other hand it’s very complex. The music within takes you on a mellow ride with lingering melodies wich relaxes you and demands that you take a step down in this hectic live we lead today. I would compare the music with The Beautifull and The October Project. Most of the songs are instrumental. There some lyrics sung in Chinese but don’t worry there are translated lyrics that com with the CD package.
My favorite tracks are
* Shadow Play
* Solemnly Silent Circle
* Reawakening
* Icy Castle
A fantastic surprise from Shanghai: 92 %
© Ron “thedoorwaymaster” Vermulst
The Doorwaymaster 