KAMMA

Once again I was asked by Nikols, russian�?�´s prog scene most enthusiastic promoter, to review a new band from that country. As usually, I was quite curious and eager because I knew it would be something of high caliber, as everything he sent to me generally is. I was not disappointed. Whalephant, with all its complexity, won me over from the first listening. Kamma is the very first release from this oddly named ensemble led by composer, synth player, and artistic director Nikolay Inshakov, and already is a winner. What we have here is a very difficult to label work, mixing several different styles of music with great expertise and delicacy. The result is both original and familiar: a very unlike mix of atmospheric, avant guard, new age, jazz, rock, folk, symphonic prog, heavy guitars, minimalist music and much more. Eclectic prog indeed! What binds it all together is a great sense of melody and balance making the music inside very interesting and pleasant all the way around.

The music is mostly instrumental, but when the vocals come in they work so well you can�?�´t really figure it without them. Ekaterina Bakanova (vocals and lyrics) has a very nice voice and a great emotional interpretation that fits very well inside the overall concept fo the CD. It�?�´s almost impossible to compare Whalephant to any other group or genre, for the music here is quite unique, with interesting use of diverse instrumentation and arrangements. One song is very different from the other and still they all have a unifying connection that works on the entire album, making a listening to Kamma a very compelling trip, with diverse mood swings and changes, like all prog albums should be. Although it is clear that all the musicians involved are skillful there is no unnecessary displays of virtuosity, neither endless noodling. it�?�´s music for music sake: you get the impression that all the notes are right and there, like a masters (musical) painting. There are no weak tracks, and neither are any highlight, for all the tunes are different, but excellent, with impeccable performances of all involved. And everything here gets helped by a state of art production.

If you like more laid back, melodic prog, with strong jazz and ambient music leanings, or good music in general, you cannot miss this one.

Another great find from Russia, with love. Highly recommended!

Rating: 4,5 stars.