AGAINST THE FEAR OF DEATH

POOR GENETIC MATERIAL (PGM), the superb German prog band with a couple of gifted Scottish vocalists, began in the late 1990s as an ambient trio before establishing themselves as a crossover outfit a few years hence. While their work has always been informed by that subtle concession to texture, their now decade long association with flutist Pia Darmstaedter has reinforced that quality in band productions like "Island Noises" and "Absence". So prolific has been their relationship that two biodynamic offshoots have thus sprouted, the atmospheric COARBEGH in which keyboardist Jaehne and Darmstaedter combine forces, and AUTUMNAL BLOSSOM, which is essentially a Darmstaedter project with, of course, friends from PGM on board! AUTUMNAL BLOSSOM has issued two albums with a 3rd apparently in the offing, the first being 2013's "Against the Fear of Death".

A classical freelance musician by trade with a voice that is an extension of her instrument, Darmstaedter has ported this training to the prog "scene" in the broadest sense. Rock elements are scarce apart from a few moments of searing guitar from Stefan Glomb. The discipline of her classical training allows folk of various origins, pop, chamber, and prog to thrive in ensemble, even if it's hard to imagine a ready audience for music which is "neither here nor there". I especially enjoy the vocal structures in which she breathlessly yet effortlessly picks up a new thread while briefly holding its predecessor close. The title track and "Tears Idle Tears" both optimize this idiosyncrasy, while the haunting "Life is a Poet's Fable" highlights the versatility of the performers and a melodramatic sensibility which is compatible with the heavy lyrical themes. Guest cello by Valeria Lo Guidice further accentuates the melancholy mood in "Song: When I'm Dead" and "Dirge in Woods", as do the choral keyboard accompaniments.

A precious symbiosis has evolved between PGM and those within their sphere, with AUTUMNAL BLOSSOM exemplifying that spirit of teamwork in which participants and audiences experience growth in ways that would have been impossible on their own or in another era. 3.5 stars.