LAND OF GREEN AND GOLD

It has been 2 years since the last Karfagen album. Even though we have been fully entertained by Antony Kalugin's 3 solo albums, it is fantastic to see his new album under the Karfagen banner again. It is called The Land of Green and Gold. This time Antony has split the album into 3 chapters. The first chapter contains the first 6 tracks under the title The Land of Green. Of course the cover as always are eye catching and this one is beautifully coloured.

1. Kingfisher and Dragonflies: The first track running for just over two minutes starts with a bright acoustic guitar and synth joining in, then bursting into symphonic pleasantness ending back to that lovely acoustic guitar.

2. Land of Green Part 1: The first long track opens with a feel of mystery. You can feel the Land of Green, the bright sun and the chirping insects. A lovely calmness envelops with Antony's measured synths. The full symphonic sound is soon engaged with the intertwining mix of synth and guitar we are all familiar with. We get interesting drum rhythms interspersed with more light synth and delightful bass lines. This culminates in musicians showcasing their talent and finally winding down back to calmness. 3. Land of Green Part 2: Moving straight into Part 2 we hear our first main piece of jazz played smoothly on guitar by Alexandr Pavlov. This transitions to uplifting rock guitar. Genres crossed but merged fluidly.

4. Solis Festum: A short track with a mixture of synths with more acoustic guitar and accordion. A true blend for such a short piece.

5. Land of Green Part 3: Beginning with a sparkling, almost disco sound and hints of Big Band highlights this track. Containing intricate soloing from Yan Vedaman's sax and Antony's keyboards which brings us to a fitting climax.

6. Pastoral: The final track for the first chapter finishes with the already established theme of acoustic guitar expertly played by Alexandr.

7. Garden of Hope Part 1: The first track for chapter 2 called 'Land of Gold'. This opens with xylophone like synth and short sharp guitar notes engaging us with a new mystery of gold. More sax enters half way through and now we hear our first song with Antony lending his vocals.

8. Land of Gold: This is the longest track running at 13 minutes and 20 seconds. This opens with piano and searching synths. Approaching a solid rock sound and hearing the golden tones of the flute played by the talented and expressive Elena Kushchii. Background vocals filter in bringing an uplifting emotion shaping into full symphonic mode bringing with it a sense of wonder.

9. Garden of Hope Part 2: Final track to finish chapter 2. Antony continues his song of 'hope' with soft music and a step towards completion.

10. Land of Jazz (Bonus Track): The title speaks for itself. Starting with soft saxophone then maneuvering to a faster time signature implementing to a familiar rock background. With guitar played nimbly by Max Velychko and wonderful jazz bass playing by Konstantin Ionenko, we travel to the final track.

11. Land of Jazz (Outro) This exits the album in 44 seconds of saxophone, bass and cymbals.

This new chapter of Karfagen brings the familiar and the new. As always, every Karfagen album differs from each other and yet it sounds truly Karfagen. Take this music to a patch of green and let your ears hear the sound of gold. It comes with the miraculous melody and passion that only Antony Kalugin can create. Which land do you prefer? The Green or the Gold? I have two feet, and I will place a foot in each land. Enjoy more Karfagen magic with this wonderous album.