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Sunchild - Isolation CD (album) cover

ISOLATION

Sunchild

Crossover Prog

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CAERLLYSI
5 stars Like a nuclear explosion! June 2012 greets AKP latest, Sunchild ? Isolation (the dark chapter).

Flash back - as a teenager to that euphoria, holding the keys to your first car, the excitement, driving so fast through the meandering country lanes, initially caressing the power under foot, absorbing every turn in the road ahead, after two or three spins you're ready, foot to the floor for total exhilaration ? Like deja vu its Sunchild - Isolation.

With Kalugin all his work requires immense study into the layers of content for maximum reward and hear his ability to accelerate in and out of genres whilst still gelling the well crafted symphonic agenda.

Opening tracks include strong elements of Gabriel and Pink Floyd, supremely classy tracks with awesome pulsating bass and drum cranked up by art metal guitar reaching a timely crescendo with the warm soul searching Berlin and Leningrad. Then its into overdrive as Kalugin unleashes his latest monster isolation, four parts 20 minutes + a triumphant fanfare territorially that Sunchild fans have come to love, as ever the twists and turns make it both compelling and a vivid roller coaster ride.

Kalugin is a trail blazer in the art of looking beyond the usual parameters of rock, even shadowing into cinematic territory to heighten both its enjoyment and its darkness a cutting edge of each track to its core bone.

So herald another gold plated statement of intent from this rising talent

And come enter this dark place to reap the reward ? Isolation

Don't forget to check out the band, as they play live in France. Germany and various Eastern European countries this summer

These Are Happy Days Indeed!

Will Mackie CaerllysiMusic

Report this review (#764031)
Posted Monday, June 4, 2012 | Review Permalink
Whistler
2 stars After the splendid "As Far As The Eye Can See" I had great expectations concerning the new SUNCHILD album "Isolation". When I entered the disc in my player, the first sounds proceeding from the speakers, were very promising. After a while however I had to find out, that the thrill of the Sunchild sound had gone. No longer brilliantly arranged woodwind sections or sparkling folk-like interventions from the Bayan to spice up the sound of Antony Kalugins brainchild. The music moves in a cumbersome way from part to part and from song to song. Without the woodwinds and the strings the music sounds arid and colourless, perhaps Kalugins way of musically underlining the meaning of the word isolation, but resulting in a boring sort of music. It seems as if Kalugin had wanted to make another Pink Floyd album, but things aren't that simple. To be honest, Kalugins keyboard playing just isn't strong enough to fill the gaps. He doesn't have the skills to keep you captivated, nor the virtuosity to bedazzle the listener in order to make him forget the weakness of the compositions. In my opinion he should have thought twice before dismissing all his trump cards from the musical deck. Another strong point from the previous album also appears to be absent on "Isolation". The sparkling Kate Bush like vocals of Olya Chernova have been replaced by the grumpy voice of Zhenya Lenkov, which hardly brings any relief to the as always irritating vocals of Antony Kalugin. I know, they sing neatly in tune, but their vocal timbres thoroughly spoil the last chance to enjoy the music, which is like the cover: grey. Surrounded by so many brilliant musicians, why does he sing the major parts himself? Just listen to the beginning of the title track, an incredible ego-tripping, that makes your skin crawl! It's astonishing that a musical genius like Antony Kalugin has produced an album like this. I sincerely hope that his next album will bring back the light again. Meanwhile, the best I can give is a two star rating. Whistler.
Report this review (#781336)
Posted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 | Review Permalink
sylphida
5 stars Isolation - Great album - yes it`s different from it`s predecessor - but to me, it`s much much better when each album differs from previous one and not copies it. It is full of energy - solid statement from Antony. It even has a few prog Hits. Yes hits - listen to the "Shall We Run?" or"64" - tunes in this tracks are so significant & expressive . "Shall We Run" for Sunchild is like a "Kayleigh" for Marillion, "You`re Not Alone" for Saga or "Red Barchetta" for Rush. Rock anthem as it is - perfect song for playing live! I don`t mind an accent - then what about Rpwl, TFK, Eloy ?? You may find some reminiscence with Pink Floyd (cover as well) but it`s plus i think. Listen to the Isolation (part 2 & 4) it`s Kalugin at his best. I enjoyed the idea to have childs vocals in parts as well - what an awsome combination of vocals at the outro of Isolation part 4. It impressed me much and i enjoyed this as well later in Silhouette`s "When Snow's Falling Down". So, to me latest Sunchild album is a prog rock height. Highly recommended to whide circle of listeners. Whith "Isolation" Antony has expanded the frames of genre without a doubt.
Report this review (#889089)
Posted Monday, January 7, 2013 | Review Permalink

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