Formed in Moscow in 2011, this is the debut (and so far, only) album from progressive rock/jazz fusion instrumental outfit Lunar Cape. The line-up is Petrovsky Nikolay (Electro-Nick) on guitar, harmonica, alto recorder, Olga Scotland on flute, mandolin, alto recorder, sopranino recorder, Paul Bulak (SadFat) keyboards, guitar, sound effects, Andrey Shashkov – bass guitar, basso recorder, Mikhail Zolotarev, drums, and Ilya Myasin – soprano recorder. Yes, there is a lot of woodwind on here, most unlike many other bands around. Although there are times when they do come across as similar to Jethro Tull, due to the way the lead flute is being played more than anything else, they have also been clearly influenced by Gentle Giant in particular, and western Seventies prog in general. For some reason, I also kept thinking of Camel, just because of the way they approach the music, but in reality they sound nothing like them at all.
From the first time I put this on I found that I had a smile on my face, as this album truly is a delight from beginning to end. I find it hard to believe that they have yet to be picked up by a label that can do them justice, as this is timeless music that certainly deserves to be heard by a far wider audience. It can be in your face, or reflective and gentle, and although it may never turn into rapids, this is a babbling stream of musical water that has a great deal to offer. The song “Motorbike” commences with influences from South America, before gradually turning into something both more Cuban and Celtic, as if Clannad or Enya have been on holiday to warmer climes.
The more I play this the more I like it, and have discovered that this is music that really does benefit both from headphones and having the eyes closed, so that it can be fully concentrated on with no distractions whatsoever. A beautiful album, I can only hope that there is enough support for another one soon.
