A WINTER IN SUMMERTIME

The Karda Estra project belongs entirely to British composer and multi-instrumentalist Richard Wileman.He started it back in 1998 and composed the EP with the paradox title ''A Winter in Summertime'' the same year.In this private release Wileman was helped by female singer Ileesha Bailey, Zoe King/Josey on wind instruments and Rachel Larkins on viola.Eventually Bailey and Josey would become his long-time collaborators.

Clocking at only 28 minutes, ''A Winter in Summertime'' could have been easily a great film score due to his Avant-Garde atmosphere and very orchestral sound.Much influenced by ENNIO MORRICONE, Wileman decided to use the same approach on his otherwise rock musicianship and the result is an album close to the likes of later-era HOSTSONATEN, GOBLIN and NIKLAS BARKER.Most of the tracks feature sonic soundscapes, credited to the female choirs or wordless vocals, virtuosic acoustic guitars, electronic loops and haunting piano lines along with some viola parts, creating both a frightening and ethereal atmosphere.A deep and doomy rhythm section is also present on these tracks.The electric guitars are used sporadically and mainly in a background role, despite having an evident KING CRIMSON vibe.The rest of the tracks, actually a pair of them, are pure Avant-Garde/Orchestral pieces with a very grandiose and dark atmosphere with slow and deep arrangements, performed by Wileman on keyboards and programming, sometimes supported by acoustic sounds.

Perfect effort for a film soundtrack but definitely not everybody's cup of tea.Nevertheless, ''A Winter in Summertime'' is not an album for everyday listening, it requires a specific mood linked with deep, orchestral and atmospheric instrumental echoes.Overall recommended.