GARDEN ELECTRIC

The Greek Garden Of Prog

Jupiter Fungus, the Greek band, made an outstanding debut with Garden Electric . An unknown band until 2024?at least outside of Greece, but formed by musicians of substance and experience. It is actually a duo consisting of Ares Papatriantafillou (vocals, keyboards, guitar) and Fotis Xenikoudakis (flute, tin whistle), joined by George Papageorgiou (bass, acoustic guitar, glockenspiel), George Emmanuel (electric guitar), and Nick Vell (drums).

Jupiter Fungus sounds like everything we've ever heard from the purest prog rock?reminiscent of early Focus, Camel, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull, but also Van der Graaf Generator and countless '70s bands that we love so much. However, they also bring their own local touch, reminiscent of Aphrodite's Child. Their members originally played in the stoner band Father Sun, adding another layer to their background.

The album is full of dynamic shifts, extended instrumental passages, and a blend of acoustic and electric textures. The flute, played by Fotis Xenikoudakis, is one of the defining elements, giving a very pastoral, early Jethro Tull feel. But they don't just rehash old sounds?there's a subtle modern touch, especially in the way the keyboards and synths are used. The production is organic, almost like a live session, which works in favor of the vintage atmosphere.

The album opens with "Underdog" setting the mood with atmospheric keys and a slow, evolving structure. It has a bit of a Floydian feel in the beginning but builds into something more complex, with swirling organ and flute interplay. The guitar solo near the end is a highlight, with an expressive, almost Gilmour-like touch. "Circles" is the longest track on the album, split into four parts. It's a true exploration of progressive rock's capabilities, starting with a calm, almost hypnotic feel, driven by soft, repetitive piano lines and light percussion. The pace gradually picks up as the track moves into more intricate territory, with constant shifts in time signatures and a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. "Past Ground," The third track introduces a slightly darker tone compared to the previous songs. The opening is moody, with a slow, brooding bassline setting the mood. The keyboards take on a more atmospheric role here, providing a rich texture that complements the heavier, more deliberate pacing. The percussion is particularly notable, creating a sense of tension as it gradually builds. And finally my favorite track "Thoughts of Revenge", is an epic in its own right, with the band pulling out all the stops for a grand finale. It opens with a steady, reminiscent of early Camel , building instrumental section, of classic prog rock, where layers of keyboards and guitars weave together seamlessly. The lyrics (if you follow them) explore themes of regret and reflection, adding a personal depth to the piece. The midsection features some of the album's most intricate playing, with shifting time signatures and tight, complex rhythms. The flute takes on a more whimsical role, adding a sense of contrast to the heavier sections. The final minutes of "Thoughts of Revenge" are pure prog grandeur a , with a massive instrumental build that leads into a powerful, cathartic conclusion. It's a fitting way to close the album, with all the elements of Jupiter Fungus' sound on full display.

Garden Electric is a fantastic debut that will appeal to fans of classic prog rock as well as those looking for a more modern take on the genre. Jupiter Fungus proves that they have the musical chops and vision to craft expansive, intricate compositions that captivate from start to finish. Beyond their influences Jupiter Fungus it is a very original and unique band and the key it's on the taste and how you mix those elements.

After Methexis, Verbal Delirium, Naxatras, Residuos Mentales and Forbidden Myth, here's another interesting current prog band from Greece named Jupiter Fungus, a studio project featuring Papatriantafillou (keyboards, guitar and vocals) and Fotis Xenikoudakis (flute and tin whistle), it was set up to pay homage to the legendary bands associated with the progressive and classic rock scene of the 1970s, from Jethro Tull and Focus to Pink Floyd and Deep Purple, and other. Band info. "Although essentially just a duo, selected studio musicians were also recruited to enable them to create their debut album Garden Electric: George Papageorgiou (bass, acoustic guitar and glockenspiel), George Emmanuel (electric guitar) and Nick Vell (drums). With the liberal use of a variety of keyboards and flute, augmented by some powerful guitars and a solid drum and bass foundation, the four-track album of just under 50 minutes is brimming with vibrant arrangements and unexpected shifts."

Underdog: The powerful and dynamic foundation in this long composition is a swinging mid-tempo beat, the bass even sounds pretty funky. The music is embellished with swirling work on the distinctive Hammond organ (reminding me of Booker T.), heavy guitar runs, frequent eruptions with flute and rock guitar, some spoken words in English, a dual- guitar sound with Hammond, a sparkling flute - and fiery guitar solo and a spectacular Minimoog solo with pitchbend, wow, what an exciting start by this new band on this debut album!

Circles: In the first part a catchy beat with a powerful bass and sparkling flute and Hammond layers, soon joined by the cheerful tin whistle. Then a swirling Hammond solo, sparkling flute work, fueled by awesome rhythm-section, (like 70s Camel with Peter Bardens). Halfway a nice break with spacey synthesizers, a hypnotizing rhythm-section, soaring flute work (the bass work reminds me of In A Gadda Da Vida from Iron Butterfly), subtle electric piano runs and a spacey slightly distorted guitar solo. The final part contains a more lush sound with flute traverse and a moving guitar solo.

Past Ground: First a dreamy intro with Andean flute-like sound, beautiful. Then a swinging rhythm with powerful flute work in the vein of Ian Anderson. Back to dreamy with soaring flute and Hammond, distorted vocals in a catchy beat. Next a short, more experimental part. Then a sumptuous eruption with Hammond, in a catchy beat with heavy guitar sound and sparkling flute, powerful vocals, and a fiery guitar solo, topped with an exciting Hammond solo. The band succeeds to blend obvious 70s prog echoes with a fresh and modern sound and strong musical ideas.

Thoughts of Revenge: This epic final composition is the most eclectic and dynamic one featuring lots of surprising changing atmospheres, the band in its full splendor. From a spacey intro synthesizer and soaring flute to a more polished sound with soulful vocals. From a rock guitar explosion with heavy Hammond and powerful vocals (evoking Pink Floyd) to a flashy synthesizer solo with pitchbend. And from a mellow climate with flute to halfway a slow swinging rhythm with omnipresent flute play. The final part delivers a compelling atmosphere with a strongly built up David Gilmour kind of guitar solo, this is Symphonic Rock Heaven!

What an excellent debut by this new Greek formation, loaded with dynamics, tension, strong musical ideas and exciting soli, and performed by skilled musicians, highly recommended!