Record Reviews

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!

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SUSSITA ~ SUSSITA NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 7290010936007) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 1st album by a new Israeli group SussitaFind albums by this artist formed by young musicians, who play and sing a superb collection of great songs which mix folk and jazz influences into a completely new and fresh sound. If you are fimiliar with the classic SheshetFind albums by this artist album, this is in many ways an updated follow up. With flute, female vocals (all vocals in Hebrew) and mostly acoustic instruments, this is a delightful debut!

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