Ностальгия (NOSTALGIA)

3.5 stars. RAINY SEASON were a band out of Russia who managed to release two studio albums in back to back years('92/'93) before leaving us with this archival live recording released in 1997. The tracks from this one precede their debut from 1992 giving us a look at their beginnings. The drummer and guitarist are on all three releases then they brought in musicians as they needed them to fill out the sound. Five songs worth 67 minutes with tracks ranging from 10 1/2 minutes to 17 minutes here.

This band can be surprisingly ambient and patient making this an interesting live act, or maybe not an interesting live act. Ambient and getting close to new age this certainly requires patience for the listener unless your really into this style of course. I'm not. Thankfully we do some interesting guitar solos and expressions. The first two tracks were recorded live in Vladovostok, the first on December 25th the second December 26th. These are the only two tracks with keyboards/electronics along with drums and guitar as a four piece. And I do like the outbreak of guitar on the opener especially as it offers a great contrast to the laid back stuff.

The next two tracks were recorded live in Tallin October 16th 1989. We get no keyboards but an extra guitarist who also plays bass along with a flautist as again they operate as a four piece. I feel fortunate to have their debut which for me is their best one and the only one I have given 4 stars to. It's one of a few cds I have where looking at the front cover I draw a blank because it's all in Russian but the back has English titles and info thankfully. A good album that is even more impressive because this is live music and it is challenging. I like this better than their second record at least but the debut is the one to get.