STELLAR GARDENER

Antony Kalugin

Symphonic Prog

3.98 | 108 ratings

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Drmick1971

Antony's excellent follow up to Marshmallow Moondust has been released only months after. Amazing and prolific is Antony. This new albums title is 'Stellar Gardener'.

I thought Marshmallow Moondust was a masterpiece. My first listen to Stellar Gardener eclipsed that feeling. I feel 'Stellar' is even an improvement. Antony uses the same methods, similar in style and execution as 'Marshmallow'. Obviously 'Marshmallow' gave Antony the confidence to forge ahead in his art. And 'Stellar Gardener' is the result.

What is a 'Stellar Gardener'? I'm sure Antony has a firm view to the answer of this question. As to the listener, that is up to his or her interpretation. Antony's music definitely captures these galactic themes. Space and the outer worlds is ensconced in your mind when you listen to it. The tinkle of a key is the twinkle of a star, the flute sound is the ray of sunlight, the heavy guitar sound is an exploding star?

The album is mainly in two parts, 'Stellar' and 'Gardener' both 20 minute epics followed by four smaller compositions being excerpts from the main two tracks. From the start you get the feel of openness and the majesty that is space. We get the interweaving of keyboards and guitars again as we did in 'Marshmallow Moondust'. Although I would say 'Stellar Gardener' is more keyboard based which is more inline with the 'space' theme.

A section of 'Stellar' I fell in love with is approximately 15.20 in with a great bass part followed by a fast paced keyboard giving me the impression of some sort of space chase or space race which is a true highlight for me. 'Gardener' is very strongly paced and is mostly full on, very driving music. Antony excels here and you can't let go of it. You have to stay and enjoy the ride.

What is a 'Stellar Gardener'? Is there a higher life tending the garden of the universe? Organising and planning this dimension we live in? Creating the life that makes our world the wonder it is? I'm sure Antony has his firm ideas on this matter and like a true artist, he lets the listener determine their findings themselves which makes this music more personal to them.

This new album like space is a wonder. To come so quick after the last album and to be at the very least as good is a testament to the skill and imagination of Antony. May he continue. As a music lover I am selfish and just want more.

Drmick1971 | 5/5 | 2021-2-9

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