IV

Wow!

Website info. 'The Greek psychedelic rock band Naxatras (from Thessaloniki) have been well into the first decade of their existence and a significant number of milestones has been accomplished. After 3 full length albums that established them in the global underground as a force to be reckoned with, a new approach emerged in the most natural way. The Naxatras identity as a predominant jam band came to be challenged from within and a few of these traces of tunes finally found their way back into the game. Combined with the maturity and artistic savviness that time and extensive touring brings, the new music clicked with some of that old material and shaped the way this new era sounds like. The focus right now is on the actual song, on the solid build-up of musicianship and composition, that draws magic from the classic 70's prog rock and the master songwriters of history. On March 31st the band will start a 4 week European tour, visiting countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands. The current Naxatras line-up features John Delias ( guitar and vocals), John Vagenas (bass and vocals), Kostas Charizanis (drums and percussion) and Pantelis Kargas (keyboards and synthesizers).'

I am not familiar with their previous 3 albums but reading about the band I understand that this is interesting space rock, and the addition of a keyboard player is a boost to this fourth album. Well, from the very first moment I love Naxatras, wow! The hints are obvious, from Seventies Pink Floyd and Hawkwind to Porcupine Tree and Riverside, but Naxatras succeed to blend these inspirations with strong musical ideas and lots of variety. The focal point is the guitar player, he has the sound and intensity of David Gilmour, but not derivative, pretty impressive. In the opener Reflection a sitar-like sound in a sultry atmosphere (blended with piano and tablas). In Journey to Narahmon compelling and hypnotizing space rock in the vein of Hawkwind and Steve Hillage (but the interplay with the keyboards evoke Riverside). In The Answer a Floydian guitar intro with soaring strings and finally an intense guitar solo with howling runs. In Radian Stars (this could have been a The Wall track) he switches from funky rhythm guitar to an exciting solo with biting wah wah that sounds like 'Hendrix meets Gilmour'. In The Battle Of Crystal Fields and Reflection (Death & Rebirth) an exciting blend of psychedelia and space rock. And finally folky acoustic guitar and slide guitar in the dreamy and hypnotizing closer Shape of the Evening.

As I stated earlier the keyboard player is a boost for the band, he delivers very tasteful and varied contributions, from tender classical piano play, delicate electric piano runs and spacey synthesizer beeps and bleeps to soaring strings, pitchbend driven synthesizer flights and compelling organ waves.

The rhythm-section does a good job, they meander with the right dynamics and accents through the mellow and more powerful compositions.

What a very pleasant first musical encounter, this band has a huge potential, highly recommended to progheads who are up to space rock. And check out the Naxatras tour dates, I wish I could see this band, perhaps a live album from their European tour will follow this strong fourth effort?

I fail to see a compelling reason to recommend this album to prog fans. The band is able to produce a pleasant sound. But none of the songs has an element of surprise, of something new. Their songs are reminiscent of bands from thirty to fourth years ago far superior to them.

But it is safe, it is dull, uninspiring. It gives me the feeling of elevator music. Or the type of music you hear when you are put on hold in a telephone call.

I feel compelled to write this review. The album has an equal ranking as some of the classics of the greats in prog. This makes no sense and is an insult to these bands.

I rate this 1 star.

While they are assigning their albums with simple (Roman) numerals for some time now, this Greek band NAXATRAS is staying true to their attitude somehow. But solely in this case, you should know. Regarding the new release John Delias (guitar), John Vagenas (bass) and drummer Kostas Charizanis have incorporated another member. Bravo! It's keyboarder Pantelis Kargas, certainly hired for adding a completely new layer to the sound. Which also brings them closer to a pure progressive rock expression. That's a big plus concerning the overall impression, and obviously was responsible for my decision to stick with it in the end. While starting with the Blues tinged Reflection (Birth) they are offering ten songs in total. Due to the evolving presence of the piano later on, the track unfolds some jazzy flavour too, as if they were playing in a very trendy bar or so.

Omega Madness sees them hurrying up then with a more heavy rocking attitude. Following on from that comes the album highlight Journey To Narahmon. A standout track. Brilliant guitar work over the course! The compelling groove, quirky synths, a nice female voice joining in, the overall atmosphere reminds me of fellow countrymen Hieronymous Dream a bit. They keep on rocking the boat with ease, exemplarily to name The Battle Of Crystal Fields. The closing acoustic guitar driven and percussion backed Shape Of The Evening rounds this album up in a very atmospheric manner. Ten new appealing songs, top accent free vocals, string arrangements, jazzy imprints. The production level is superb. A very solid result in any case, as for that definitely a suitable addition to your prog rock collection.