PSALM 6

This is the latest release from this Russian group, a half-hour EP that is somewhat of a preview of their next full-length album. All instrumental as the music of Roz Vitalis usually is, this continues with their symph prog-meets-avant-prog sound (with a little bit of jazziness thrown in). One interesting thing I noticed was how the music sometimes stops and then starts again with completely different music; if you were not paying attention you would think a new track started. The title track starts off with rocking symphonic prog. Nice riff on guitar/bass/drums which gets overlaid with overdubbed trumpets which sound great. What follows is some mellower moods featuring passages for organ, flute, acoustic guitar and piano. Later on some nice electric guitar soloing; I like the changing rhythm during this part. At the end is a weird sounding organ(?) solo, the flow of the other instruments compliments this solo. One brief reprise of the opening riff to end it.

There are two keyboard-based tracks entitled "Trattamento" - the first begins with a minute of symphonic synths. Another section is more electric piano oriented. The second part is a longer version of the first part which ends the EP. Here the two sections are reversed. "The Prophet" almost sounds like classic 1970s Klaus Schulze at the beginning. Later some nice echoed bass, churchy organ and jazzy trumpet. "Denial Of Access" is modern classical. There is a synth part here which sounds like a really warped Mellotron. "Passing Over" is probably the highlight and is one of the tracks planned to be reworked for the next full-length album. It opens with a nice mix of piano, acoustic guitar and cymbals. The drumming is rather jazzy compared to the other pieces on the EP.

Good melodies on different instruments throughout the piece, some of them reprised. At one point there is a great part with phased organ. Briefly goes into a more free-form section in the middle. Really like the acoustic guitar and drumming towards the end. Keyboardist and leader Ivan Rozmainsky creates some wonderful melodies in the music of Roz Vitalis. They are not too avant to scare some people away but at the same time not sugary sweet and safe. Interesting group. I will give this a 3.5 rounded down to 3 stars. Can't wait to hear what the new album sounds like.