GARDEN ELECTRIC

After Methexis, Verbal Delirium, Naxatras, Residuos Mentales and Forbidden Myth, here's another interesting current prog band from Greece named Jupiter Fungus, a studio project featuring Papatriantafillou (keyboards, guitar and vocals) and Fotis Xenikoudakis (flute and tin whistle), it was set up to pay homage to the legendary bands associated with the progressive and classic rock scene of the 1970s, from Jethro Tull and Focus to Pink Floyd and Deep Purple, and other. Band info. "Although essentially just a duo, selected studio musicians were also recruited to enable them to create their debut album Garden Electric: George Papageorgiou (bass, acoustic guitar and glockenspiel), George Emmanuel (electric guitar) and Nick Vell (drums). With the liberal use of a variety of keyboards and flute, augmented by some powerful guitars and a solid drum and bass foundation, the four-track album of just under 50 minutes is brimming with vibrant arrangements and unexpected shifts."

Underdog: The powerful and dynamic foundation in this long composition is a swinging mid-tempo beat, the bass even sounds pretty funky. The music is embellished with swirling work on the distinctive Hammond organ (reminding me of Booker T.), heavy guitar runs, frequent eruptions with flute and rock guitar, some spoken words in English, a dual- guitar sound with Hammond, a sparkling flute - and fiery guitar solo and a spectacular Minimoog solo with pitchbend, wow, what an exciting start by this new band on this debut album!

Circles: In the first part a catchy beat with a powerful bass and sparkling flute and Hammond layers, soon joined by the cheerful tin whistle. Then a swirling Hammond solo, sparkling flute work, fueled by awesome rhythm-section, (like 70s Camel with Peter Bardens). Halfway a nice break with spacey synthesizers, a hypnotizing rhythm-section, soaring flute work (the bass work reminds me of In A Gadda Da Vida from Iron Butterfly), subtle electric piano runs and a spacey slightly distorted guitar solo. The final part contains a more lush sound with flute traverse and a moving guitar solo.

Past Ground: First a dreamy intro with Andean flute-like sound, beautiful. Then a swinging rhythm with powerful flute work in the vein of Ian Anderson. Back to dreamy with soaring flute and Hammond, distorted vocals in a catchy beat. Next a short, more experimental part. Then a sumptuous eruption with Hammond, in a catchy beat with heavy guitar sound and sparkling flute, powerful vocals, and a fiery guitar solo, topped with an exciting Hammond solo. The band succeeds to blend obvious 70s prog echoes with a fresh and modern sound and strong musical ideas.

Thoughts of Revenge: This epic final composition is the most eclectic and dynamic one featuring lots of surprising changing atmospheres, the band in its full splendor. From a spacey intro synthesizer and soaring flute to a more polished sound with soulful vocals. From a rock guitar explosion with heavy Hammond and powerful vocals (evoking Pink Floyd) to a flashy synthesizer solo with pitchbend. And from a mellow climate with flute to halfway a slow swinging rhythm with omnipresent flute play. The final part delivers a compelling atmosphere with a strongly built up David Gilmour kind of guitar solo, this is Symphonic Rock Heaven!

What an excellent debut by this new Greek formation, loaded with dynamics, tension, strong musical ideas and exciting soli, and performed by skilled musicians, highly recommended!

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