INFUSION

It's a mystery. Eh, I smell some intent here. You'll find sources where the album counts seven songs, others eight though. The latter are listing the opener On Misty Mountains and Downstream as seperate entries. So does the associated label Sireena Records. And then, to make it even more complicated, regular member or not, occasionally second guitarist Maik Scheling is missing in the line up. Well, never mind, this does not affect the musical flow in the end, that's comforting in any case. RUBBER TEA is a relatively new band on the prog stage with the homebase in Bremen, Germany.

Their debut album offers a sophisticated and profound mixture of styles, to name psychedelic, canterbury, jazz, neo and art rock ... very appealing. Also a rich instrumentation is to state on 'Infusion', presented by the six (or five actually?) regular members, plus some guest musicians. Vanessa Gross contributes a voice nicely matching to the instrumental counterpart. As well as sax, flute, and additional percussion on top. Overall this is a quite charming and relaxed multi-layered experience, with the song Storm Glass reaching for the artistical peak. A mysterious computer animated voice leads into some dramatic moments here, Mellotron, synths and a nice canterburyesce backing are serving the opposite pole. Fantastic!

Opulent use of wind instruments on The Traitor, polyphonic vocals when it comes to The Drought. 'Make America Great Again!' ... what are you associating now? ... American Dream then obviously draws references to the political situation in the US, is capturing insanity and confusion of recent history and current present. Some may be unsure, but the new RUBBER TEA turns out to be very tasty actually. Skilled compositions, entertaining implementation, and last but not least equipped with a colourful cover art - regarding 'Infusion' let me transfer congrats and proggy greetings to Bremen! Waiting for another new type of tea to enjoy now.

What an extraordinary band this is, a young German ensemble crafting stunning progressive rock. While some categorize them as neoprog, I respectfully disagree; they defy convention in a manner quite distinct from the norm. Describing them proves challenging, but I would liken them to a fusion of Big Big Train and Zopp (British Canterbury), infused with unmistakable echoes of Pink Floyd, Beardfish, and occasional visits from the likes of King Crimson. Their allure doesn't reveal itself immediately; they demand time and attention, but the investment pays dividends. By the third listen, I find myself sporting a silly grin, utterly enthralled by this unique and enchanting group. Their vocalist is a marvel, effortlessly navigating between rock and jazz-infused melodies, occasionally toying with tone and rhythm. Adding to their allure, she also wields the saxophone, imbuing their compositions with an extra layer of depth. Their debut album is a veritable feast of captivating melodies, audacious experimentation, and sheer musical brilliance. It may, perhaps, appear more subdued in comparison to subsequent releases, where they push the boundaries even further and embrace greater risks. This is a band that warrants wider recognition, one to which I consistently return. Highly recommended for connoisseurs of exceptional, boundary-defying music.

***edit*** While composing this review, I find myself immersed in the album's melodies. Having done so for nearly two years on a weekly basis, I now recognize the necessity to elevate its rating to a five. Albums that beckon one back time and again, even after years of listening, undoubtedly merit the highest acclaim. At least, that's my perspective.