I have been a fan of Alexei Aigui’s ensemble work for at least 20 years now, going all the way back to his appearance on the excellent, though now defunct Russian label SoLyd (see the release here). He has become even more innovative, more progressive, and this latest album, Alcohol, Continue Reading
Progressive Rock
Onségen Ensemble – Fear
I wish to thank my friend Slava, who is based in Kazakhstan, for introducing me into this avant-prog treasure. The Onségen Ensemble are a Finnish group who have a rather open personnel, which is in keeping with their mission statement. The sound is a mix of heavy progressive, psychedelic rock Continue Reading
CAN – The Singles
It looks like Mute Records are beginning to put more effort into their Bandcamp page, adding a lot of classic albums from their catalogue including licensed material from CAN, the legendary Krautrock band whose members all went on to do wonderful projects on their own. Though most readers here will Continue Reading
Emil – Само сам знам / Only Alone I Know
Emil Biljarski has had a storied career, first as keyboardist of the seminal Hungarian psychedelic rock band Korai Öröm, and who continued the psychedelic, world music and even post-punk stylings in bands such as Fókatelep and Meszecsinka. His pedigree is impeccable. He graces our blog with a new album which Continue Reading
Fradejas & Fradejas – Oum
It’s always a pleasure when you get to announce the release of an album made by dear friends. Amandine and Santiago Fradejas operate in two different genres of music – she, in a more ethereal and progressive rock sound and he in a more experimental and improvisational setting. Both of Continue Reading
Gleb Kolyadin – Gleb Kolyadin
Russian progressive rock band iamthemorning have been at the forefront of the symphonic rock scene for nearly a decade now, and a lot of the reason for the band’s success lies with their pianist, Gleb Kolyadin, whose composing style reminds me of a lot of bands from the 1970s with Continue Reading
Various Artists – Audion Magazine #36 (Multimedia)
I had a good friend whom I worked with at a record shop in Los Angeles called Dana, who was probably 20 years my senior or so, and he was always amazed at how I managed to retain so much information at a young age (I was 23 when I Continue Reading
Ghost Rhythms – Imaginary Mountains
The French band Ghost Rhythms live up to their name. The beats are pretty wild on this one. This release sets between avant-progressive, Canterbury, and some of the freakier excursions of late-period King Crimson. Perhaps Samla Mammas Manna and their side-projects could also make good reference points. Very engaging listening, Continue Reading
Ángel Ontalva – Roads to Sunrise Cities
Ángel Ontalva is something like a paisano to me; a fellow of Spanish descent who spends an extraordinary time in Russia, and who has integrated himself into local scenes across the country. Guitarist Ontalva has released a single which is a mellow pastiche of progressive rock, world music and jazz. Continue Reading