OLKHON (AS SEAORM)

When avant fusion and space rock collide! After the release of 'Carta Marina' (2018) and 'Sada' (2020) this album showcases a new collaboration of Spanish guitarist Ángel Ontalva and the Fedotov brothers Arkady and Ivan, bestknown from the Russian band Vespero. In this case Ontalva directly pulls the strings, has decided to start a new project just named SEAORM. The album title 'Olkhon' points to a quite big island situated in the Baikal Sea. While considering the cover image, well, here we have the mystic Shaman Rock in the background. And this also mirrors the presence, the clearly visible signs of chamanism, everywhere you are. Siberia's landscapes are marvellous, if you like endless surroundings.

A very impressing experience, I recommend to take the chance, as long as you're having the possibility. It's the vastness of nature, without seeing any glimpse of civilization all around, in most cases at least. Especially the Baikal Sea region is matchless, for what it's worth. Ontalva's compositions are inspired by these scenes in a clear way. A melancholic journey, with Demons as one obvious reference for example. I can sense it somehow, head cinema every time when listening. His guitar playing fairly steps away from a strict avant jazz oriented attitude, overall the sound is getting closer to the Maat Lander project. With other words, this is more of a psychedelic space rock trio at place here. Who would ever refuse having the Fedotov musicians in the crew for some recording sessions? You won't fail.

'Olkhon' shows an entertaining and multi-varianted performance by this three musicans. Lots of spheric synth patterns are serving a somewhat spaced-out mood all over. Accentuated as well as lively bass and drum work, a worthy rhythm support for Ontalva's highly anticipated emotional and technical performance. Exemplarily I would like to emphasize the closing song Shaman Rock. I mean, this really puts the cherry on the cake, the album masterpiece for sure. It's a typical hybrid of space and jazz rock respectively fusion, sums up the global cinematic attitude this release is providing throughout. 4.5 stars.