THE FINEST OF MIRACLES

Greek band CICCADA was formed back in 2005, with an initial core line-up consisting of Nicolas Nikolopoulos, Evangelia Kozoni and Giorgos Mouchos, supplemented by the skills of Omiros Komninos, who joined in 2009. With the aid of numerous guest musicians they recorded their debut album "A Child in the Mirror", a production that was picked up by the Italian label Altrock and released by it in 2010. "The Finest of Miracles" is their second studio recording, released through the same label in 2015.

Diversity is something of a central characteristic to be given Ciccada's second album. The foundation of their style is progressive folk rock, but with details and excursions from jazz, traditional folk music and symphonic progressive rock incorporated into the totality, alongside elements that one might describe as *chamber rock to boot (not to be confused with RIO*). A well made album on all levels, and while not as challenging as it may sound from description, the overall production merits that description due to the sheer diversity of the material. As the band cites bands such as Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant and Gryphon as sources of inspiration, those with an affection for those bands appear to be a likely key audience for this CD, and I'd suggest that those with a general affection for bands with a diverse and varied sound, style and expression to give this one a spin as well.