Record Reviews

DOUBLE SPACE ~ WINDINGS NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8824655671086) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 Excellent debut album by Israeli Prog group Double SpaceFind albums by this artist, which is probably the most significant piece of music recorded in this country in the last decade. Coming back to the sources if Israeli Prog (of the 1970’s) the group decided to create a musical project based on texts by prominent Israeli poets like Leah GoldbergFind albums by this artist, Natan AltermanFind albums by this artist, Hanoch LevinFind albums by this artist and others (unfortunately lost to non-Hebrew speaking audiences). The musical approach is remarkably similar to the early (and revolutionary) work of Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist, with brilliant compositions including weird time signatures and unexpected twists and turns. The music is mostly acoustic, with occasional use of electric guitar. Extensive use of flute and saxophone adds touches of jazzy arrangements. The vocals (in Hebrew of course) are expressive and very sensitive to the complex lyrics. The maturity and the intellectual stamina of this project are truly astounding, especially in view of the young age of its participants. Considering the recent “wave” of excellent Israeli Prog releases, this is another most welcome addition to the local scene.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MAQAMA ~ MAQAMA NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2007 - 2008 Released: 2008 1st album by Israeli Prog band MaqamaFind albums by this artist, formed by siblings Noa LewitFind albums by this artist (keyboards and vocals) and Ido LewitFind albums by this artist (bass) with guitarist Udi GlaserFind albums by this artist and drummer David BaruchFind albums by this artist. The quartet performs original music, both vocal and instrumental, composed primarily by Noa, who also wrote most of the lyrics. The music is quite intricate and delicate, well based on the Israeli Prog “tradition”, building up on the heritage of the 1970s. The lyrics are in Hebrew, but language barriers are long gone in Prog, so this shouldn’t be a problem for international listeners. The music is carefully arranged and the musicians perform beyond reproach, creating a unique atmosphere, somewhat similar to another Israeli Prog group Double SpaceFind albums by this artist, but with less complex texts. Altogether a most impressive debut a most welcome addition to the burgeoning Israeli Prog scene, which seems no borders since the beginning of the 21st Century. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MELECHET ~ IN BETWEEN NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 The Israeli Prog scene enjoys a kind of renaissance in early 2006 with the release of several excellent debut albums by young groups (see Double SpaceFind albums by this artist, SympozionFind albums by this artist, SussitaFind albums by this artist & Solstice CoilFind albums by this artist), each and every one of them surprisingly excellent and refreshing. The debut album by the group MelechetFind albums by this artist is perhaps the most ambitious of them all, presenting an entire new rock-opera rather than a collection of individual songs. The music, arrangements and orchestration (including a string quartet) are definitely worthy of comparison to similar projects attempted in the 1970’s. The four members of the group play a wide selection of instruments and strengthened by additional players and vocalists they manage quite successfully to achieve a grandiose production. The Hebrew vocals make it difficult for a non-Hebrew speaking listener to follow the plot, but how many opera lovers speak fluent Italian? Every Prog fan should be able to enjoy this music without reservations. Considering how young these musicians are, there are bright days ahead for Israeli Prog!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend