Record Reviews

AHVAK ~ AHVAK CUNEIFORM 185 (Barcode: 045775018522) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004 1st album by the first Israeli RIO band AhvakFind albums by this artist. During his recent stay in the country Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (5uu`sFind albums by this artist, etc.) gathered around him some of Israel`s most advanturous players and this is the result of their cooperation. Worldwide reception of this album was enthusiastic and critics and fans alike see it as a prime example of excellence in the genre. It smokes!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ ABANDONSHIP CUNEIFORM 158 (Barcode: 045775015828) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2002 6th album featuring again a completely revamped version of the group consisting mostly of young Israeli musicians and recorded in Israel, where Kerman resides now. Only the vocal parts were done by Thinking Plague singer Deborah Perry. Kerman proves again that he`s one of the most important figures in contemporary music and the music is as beautiful as ever.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ CRISIS IN CLAY RER 5UU2 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 4th album from 1997 with the same lineup as the previous one. Yet another masterly executed musical experience with artistic and intellectual approach so rare among other 90`s musicians. Sadly under-appreciated and under-exposed, this is some of the best 20th century music.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ HUNGER`S TEETH RER 5UU1 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 3rd album from 1994 by the reformed 5uu`s and with Bob Drake on vocals. Another masterpiece, as expected, with a clear direction showing the development of the music into the 90`s with modern sound and usage of electronics.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ POINT OF VIEWS CUNEIFORM 085 (Barcode: 045775008523) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 1996 One of the leaders of the RIO movement, drummer Dave KermanFind albums by this artist and his group 5uu`sFind albums by this artist are one of the finest representatives of this stream. This CD is a reissue of their first 2 albums: `Bel Marduk & Tiamat` from 1984 and `Elements` from 1986 and even some additional material. Absolutely essential listening.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ REGARDING PURGATORIES CUNEIFORM 135 (Barcode: 045775013527) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 5th album from 2000 featuring a completely revamped version of the group and sounding better and more interesting then ever. It marks the 3rd incarnation of the band and a fresher, more edgy sound and direction, amazing as always. A modern masterpiece.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

KRUZENSHTERN & PAROHOD ~ THE CRAFT OF PRIMITIVE KLEZMER (REISSUE EDITION) AURIS 001 (Barcode: 7290011216016) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2008 1st album by this extraordinary Israeli trio Kruzenshtern & ParahodFind albums by this artist, which plays the strangest ever mixture of klezmer, avan-rock, RIO and jazz. The basic instruments are clarinet, bass and drums, but between them they play quite a few other instruments (and toys) and a few guest musicians are present. Led by Igor KrutogolovFind albums by this artist (as the name suggests - an Israeli immigrant from ex-Soviet soil), who writes most of the music. This amazing music floats in between John ZornFind albums by this artist, 5UU`sFind albums by this artist and Hassidic New WaveFind albums by this artist. Probably one of the best things to happen (musically) in Israel in a long while. The reissue edition presents the album in new artwork and digipack format.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

NEBELNEST ~ NOVA EXPRESS CUNEIFORM 154 (Barcode: 045775015422) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 2nd album by the adventurous and energetic young French group NebelnestFind albums by this artist which manages to create a dark symphonic Prog music laced with psychedelia and extensive improvisations. The sound is mesmerizing and the ideas intense. Produced by Bob DrakeFind albums by this artist (of the 5uu`sFind albums by this artist and Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist fame), who managed to bring out the originality and creativity of the band to its full potential.

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THINKING PLAGUE ~ EARLY PLAGUE YEARS CUNEIFORM 141 (Barcode: 045775014128) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2000 1st & 2nd albums on 1 CD. Reissued after a long period of being unavailable, these recordings document some great moments of early RIO music similar to U TotemFind albums by this artist, 5uu`sFind albums by this artist and Art BearsFind albums by this artist. Led by Mike JohnsonFind albums by this artist and Bob DrakeFind albums by this artist, Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist played a very unique and fascinating art rock music, expanding the horizons of rock beyond the obvious and the boring.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

THINKING PLAGUE ~ IN EXTREMIS CUNEIFORM 113 (Barcode: 045775011325) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 4th album by Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist. Greatly anticipated by fans and critics alike, this version of the group also includes Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (5uu`sFind albums by this artist) and produces a superb body of work which is well composed and strongly structured, yet intelligent and demanding. Some familiar elements of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, Henry CowFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist are there, but mostly it`s their unique blend that makes things happen.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

U TOTEM ~ U TOTEM CUNEIFORM 024 (Barcode: 045775002422) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1990 Released: 1990 1st album by U TotemFind albums by this artist. This group is a combination of 2 other well established avantgarde ensembles: 5uu`sFind albums by this artist (see Dave KermanFind albums by this artist) and Motor Totemist GuildFind albums by this artist. This pairing has brought out the best parts of both bands, combining the abstraction and lyricism of the 5uu`s with the classical control of the MTG. The members are all master musicians and the music is simply wonderful.

Updated: 18/03/2023Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend