This release is something of a strange one, as it was recorded and mixed between April 2007 and September 2008 and had been completed long before the ‘Revelator’ and ‘Patience of Hope’ albums from 2011 and 2012 respectively, yet was only released in 2014. To add to my confusion Ivan Rozmainsky (keyboards, percussion, samples, tenor recorder) sent it to me at the beginning of this year to review, although to be fair he did try to send it to me back in 2014 and I said I was too busy back then. The line-up of this instrumental outfit is completed by Vladimir 'Energoslon' Semenov-Tyan-Shansky (bass), Sydius (aka Igor Pokatilov) (guitar, samples) and Vladislav Korotkikh (flute), Yes, here is a band that has no use for drums.
Listed on PA as RIO/Avant, that is definitely the right sub-genre for them to be included in, yet this music is surprisingly melodic and incredibly easy to follow. It all makes musical sense, with the different instruments and sounds melding together in a fashion that has far more in common with modern classical, yet with an emptiness and bleakness that is incredibly powerful. Not everyone needs to be playing at the same time, and there is no need for anyone to show off their skills, this is all about playing the right notes, in the right manner, at the right time. Ivan has a wonderful touch on piano, and this combined with the flute along are the driving force of the band. They have even the temerity to include a song that is more than twenty minutes long, which works incredibly well. Their music is peaceful and restrained for the most part, but the introduction of “Thorns of Forgiving” could almost be from a different band altogether, as it is strident and more mainstream progressive, and the repeated melody on an organ provides a far warmer feel. I don’t know why it took so long to release this album, but I’m happy it has finally seen the light of day as it is yet another strong album from these guys.
