Wings Of Revelation I
Review by BORA
5 stars Blown away - just superb!
If you can relate to instrumental, versatile and virtuostic Prog that's not compromised by forced vocals, then read on.
Only recently I bemoaned the fact that a once excellent Hungarian (then) trio, EAST have never had the chance to record an album. Well. not until they were compelled to turn commercial and add vocals and the following releases were largely forgettable.
Janos VARGA was a founding member of the original EAST, delivering long sets of thoughtful, bordering on hypnotic instrumental numbers, greatly inspired by SBB. I was one of the small number of people crammed into a tiny club week after week who were fortunate to see them then in the late '70s.
I left Hungary a long-long time ago and this album has found me absolutely by chance - and I am very grateful that it did. You know how it is. Sometimes only after the first few bars, you just know that you are onto something special. This album is one of those.
The compositions here are tightly arranged and fuse a number of different styles effortlessly in due harmony. Psychedelic, Symphonic, Jazz-Rock, Heavy-Prog are all there. This band combines Gilmour's elegance. Latimer's feel with early Mahavishnu fireworks (soaring guitars and keys duels). Ditto for SBB's better instrumental moments along with Satriani's skills - all without a slightest hint of copying those peers.
VARGA's techniques - like good wine - have aged well and have become even better than before. Since it's his project, not surprisingly he tends to take the lead much of the time, but not eclipsing the other musicians who are also excellent. In reality, it's hard to believe that all this is delivered by a trio, the music is just so full and satisfying.
In places, there is a harder edge to the guitar works, sufficient to thump your chest with excitement, yet never aggressive, or trashy. That in itself is a rare skill that few highly skilled musos have achieved. The whole delivery is professional and not a forced attempt to do more than one is equipped for.
The conclusion is that in this release VARGA and team have surpassed his former inspiration of SBB and I can hardly wait to hear what else is on offer.
Welcome back good, old EAST in new clothes!
Wings Of Revelation II
Review by BORA
4 stars Serious guitar slinging to be found here.
Firstly, don't let his long beard mislead you. He is not a ZZ TOP tribute artist, but he may ride a Harley. Well, I don't know really, but if he does, well, good on him!
Also, his surname is VARGA, Janos is Hungarian for John, therefore I'd expect to find him listed under "V", not "J" as currently is the case.
For those who are new to the game, VARGA was a founding member of the legendary Hungarian band EAST, who sadly, didn't get to record until they were compelled to compromise. They were inspired by SBB and practically Hungary's answer to that excellent Polish band. Still, a couple of their albums "Huseg" (translates as Loyalty) and "Sodom" contain elements of their better days in the '70s.
VARGA came back with his solo projects and the first one "Wings Of Revelation" is an absolute must have. This Part II of the same title is somewhat different. Probably due to a new and less adventurous keyboard player. This work has more to do with JOE SATRIANI than SBB influences.
Great guitar work throughout and I enjoy it very much from beginning to end, but whilst the album is definitely Prog, it's undoubtedly stretching the boundaries to excellent instrumental Rock.
This Part II deserves a solid 4 plus, but remains a poor cousin to Part I in comparison.
Interestingly, over the years VARGA has become a prominent leader whilst his former peer Anthymos Apostolis (guitar) of SBB has taken a back seat, mellowed out and fooling with keyboards and drums - something he should have kept private. Times are a changin'...
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