RIVERDRAGONS & ELEPHANT DREAMS

EARTH FLIGHT are in operation since more than ten years in the meanwhile, though have slipped beneath my radar beforehand. Now their new third studio album 'Riverdragons & Elephant Dreams' attracted my attention really, seemingly evolves to a 2018 highlight, the more I'm listening. This is sophisticated prog, yeah! Well, considering they are a German band, it appears to be somewhat surprising as for the overall style. While delivering a heavy rock fundament plus proper psychedelic sentiment, this superficially sounds more like a typical nordic band is on the run here somehow, akin to Moonwagon or Causa Sui. Okay, categories are not more than ... categories, let the music speak for itself.

They have Tobias Brunner aboard. From charming to shouting, provided with a great singing voice - that's half the battle, isn't it? Now when considering a good and proper amount of vocal activity one can expect a very melodic affair too in general. And then, no doubts concerning the prog essence, as there are sophisticated arrangements given. Mirai marks an exceptional exemplar, tricky and enchanting. And I'd like to emphasize Bedlam especially. The song begins a bit innocent, but soon evolves into a big highlight. This due to an impressive blend of atmospheric space parts but also heavy expressive head banging moments. Wow! Take your time, an album which definitely needs some rounds to fully unfold.