RECOLLECTION HARVEST

One thing for sure I am not a great follower of Djam Karet in terms of the band or the meaning. What I mean with the meaning is that the name implies an Indonesia language meaning literally as a "rubber time" but in normal day-to-day practice is something like not being punctual in coming to meeting or gathering, say it's supposed to 9:00 but then it becomes 9:10 or 9:15 not as punctual as planned. So Indonesian call it as Djam Karet as not being punctual. I am not sure how come the boys in the band knew this and named it for their group. But I laughed outloud the first time knowing that there is a band with this name.

In terms of music, I only knew the band from my prog community in Indonesia as they say that I should listen to the music of Djam Karet, especially some albums that my friends lent me. So I landed with some f the albums including this one. To me, as it is stated clearly at the inlay information that this album is basically two components namely Recollection Harvest with five first tracks and Indian Summer with another six tracks with overall duration of 70 plus minutes. Quite ambitious in terms of duration.

Musically, this album is really good in delivering instrumental tracks especially in harmonizing the sounds of keyboards and guitars with interesting solo provided. The basslines are quite good as well. Opened beautifully with "The March To The Sea Of Tranquility" (7:18) with some sort of ambient fusion music that reminds me to things like Ozric Tentacles (my favorite band as well). It flows nicely to the second track "Dr. Money" (7:12) where I enjoy the guitar solo combined with keyboard work all along the whole track that has many tempo and style changes. Actually it's hard to describe the kind of music this band plays but when I listen to it track by track, I find joy in enjoying the music. Each track offers its unique style, for example the fifth track "Recollection Harvest" (10:06) blends the ambient keyboard effects, dynamic drumming and basslines combined with guitar touches. It's quite exploratory in nature. There are parts that reminds me to the music of Jean Luc Ponty in the middle of this title track.

The second component that starts with "Indian Summer" (4:10) that resonates the repetitious keyboard work overlaid by howling guitar. Even though it sounds quite boring to me but it's quite exploratory. The track "The Great Plains Of North Dakota" (3:13) has the eastern music style that makes the album rich in textures - the acoustic guitar work is nice. While "Dark Oranges" (3:44) provides electric nature of the music with its long sustain keyboard work serving at background.

Overall, it's a very good album demonstrating high quality musicianship of the band members. The music moves in different styles and sometimes is hard to consider the kind of it and sometime is exploratory. On parts with drumset, I think the mixing of the drum sound is too loud and raw. It's recommended for those who like Ozric Tentacles with some King Crimson nuances as well. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW