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AKKU QUINTET
Depart
(2019 - 7d Media - USA)

https://akkuquintet.bandcamp.com/album/depart

Taking a type of minimalist and mathrock, slowing it down with postrock atmosphere, bringing a tight clean jazz element to it, and creating a set of dreamscape styled equal balance between classical and progressive rock (similar to Alan Parsons Project instrumentals), and you have the formula for Switzerland's unique Akku Quintet. This, their 4th release (first time on 7d Media label), brings in an even more rich pictorial essence.  

Knowing this is a band led and founded by Manuel Pasquinelli (Sonar's drummer) is reason to take notice. In the same way that Sonar and Nik Bartsch's Ronin integrate styles and keep a balance of power between all the musicians, so does Akku Quintet. In staying with the less is more formula, they stay with a 5 song (and extended cut) release. 'Depart' has a lot of different colors, including influences from gamelan music, electronica, and all those aforementioned genres. Some moments remind of Mark Isham's 'Vapor Drawings' (without the trumpet of course) and not surprisingly; Sonar, along with ECM gentle suggestion. The 5 pieces have plenty of room to explore and go different places. The members include : Manuel Pasquinelli - drums, all compositions / Michael Gilsenan - sax / Maja Nydegger - keys / Markus Ischer - guitar / Andi Schnellmann - bass. The instrumentation on the album sounds far more broad then the listing of instruments may imply.

Much of the infectious music begins with simplistics (again, similar to Sonar and soundtracks of a reflective mood), but develop with the suave hybrid immersion that instantly provides graphic images. All in fine order, the flow is always in motion. The first cut 'Largo' and fourth 'Depart' (title track) each have pristine accents and sharp rhythmic groove. Pasquinelli understands the power and position of syncopation, using his drumkit to sometimes suspend the feel of the melody or phrases. A striking, melodious, and expressive set of works. Super nice!  

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 6 - 8 - 2019
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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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