I discovered the existence of this phenomenal UK band through my recent binge of Cardiacs and Tim Smith-related projects. Cardiacs are the best band in the world, BTW. That's not debatable, sorry lads. Anyway when I discover that Kavus Torabi (a regular contributor to this electronic mecca of prog-loving nerds) played guitar with Cardiacs on the 2005 two-volume Special Garage Concerts (which BTW, has entered my short list of favorite all-time live albums on par with Roxy and Elsewhere, VCDTOSA Vol. 2, Make a Jazz Noise Here, etc.) I was pretty jazzed.
OK, so the album. I will admit that I do need more listens as there is a lot going on musically and production-wise (good thing), but I will say that this is an album and a band that should be talked about more and hopefully discovered, but there is stiff-competition with those new Yes remasters 8.0 in 23.16 surround, (or was that the time signature?). C'mon guys - take the plunge and at least listen to it on Spotify (like I did) before buying it. Great digipak with interesting artwork and a vertical picture of Kavus in some celestial Elvish Forest that reminds me of some hippy that got lost in The Fellowship of the Ring, and its great!
Basically this is an album that makes this fellow musician/composer jealous. When I'm listening, I hear an idea or texture within the arrangement/production that makes me say "Son-of-a-bitch!..how do they think of that!?" and then it becomes inspirational and then I knick it. Stravinsky told me so. This can be thought of as a pop album, but the kind of pop associated with FZ, Crimson, Cardiacs, Keneally, California (Bungle), SGM etc. But basically its just some of the structures that make this close to pop, but tonally there is a ton going on, as well as rhythms. The combo of male/female vocals is another great attribute this band has, and as musicians they are major league accomplished players. There is an amazing blend of both tonal and dissonant harmonies, and I hear cool modes like the Lydian pop up. Also I've noticed some "Tim Smith-isms" in a few chord structures, which could be a mere coincidence but I know that Tim is embedded in Kavus's soul I'm sure. Moods can be range from classic British pop, metal, prog, avant/RIO, pastoral, and more, and the variety is another thing that keeps me intrigued as a listener. Spectacular melodies reside in a super detailed production, with musical textures galore. There is a ton of shit going on virtually every second of this album, but its never overdone and serves the composition perfectly as would a great composer with an orchestra of chamber group. A true work of art.
As a FZ Freak, I have always viewed Mike Keneally as the great successor to the master. Although I'm much newer to Cardiacs and Knifeworld, it seems like Kavus shares the same relationship with Tim Smith. There is not a bigger compliment, trust me! Or maybe I'm just off my fucking rocker? I don't buy a ton of prog anymore, so I'm more selective when I do, and this is an album that is one of the best things post-2000 to these ears. I'm not sure I would have dug this album 10-15 years ago, but these days this hits the spot big time.
Simply killer. I'm gonna explore the other two EP's at Spotify and then probably order them I'm sure. Thanks Kavus!
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Originally Posted by chalkpie
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