CONSTELLATIONS

Fourth year in the row with another album by Karda Estra, talking about 2003 here and Richard Wileman was this time influenced by six constellations, inspired by myths, astronomy and self-personal experiences.Once more the line-up would get an extension, welcoming cellist Sarah Higgins next to the ordinary choir/instrumental female collaborators of Wileman.The album, simply titled ''Constellations'', was the second of the band on Cyclops.

After the disappointing collaboration with Artemiy Artemiev Karda Estra would get back on track with a flavor already served on the ''Eve'' album and with ''Constellations'' Wileman has fully captured the essence of cinematic music.This album contains some incredibly atmospheres well-hidden within its softness and unvealed through the talented backing band of the main man, featuring strings, flute, sax and English horns.Wileman mostly performs on electric guitars and piano with some background keyboards in the process, the result is some really beautiful spacious, sentimental and Film-related arrangements with romantic preludes and interludes, light acoustic textures, orchestral overtones and a few progressive colors in the vein of STEVE HACKETT, ANTHONY PHILLIPS or GORDON GLITRAP.Ileesha Bailey's angelic, calm voice is just superb and comes as the perfect fit for the relaxed atmosphere of the album.Once more Wileman has avoided to add dynamics, apparently believing that the whole majesty of his music is released via his ethereal, elegant and very gentle arrangements.The scenario talks about six constellations, but the album contains seven tracks, the farewell one actually being a cover on STEVE HACKETT's ''Twice around the sun'' from the ''Darktown'' album, succesful choice that comes as a nice closer to a similar-sounding effort.

Cinematic, orchestral seminal Rock.Alternation between soft acoustic and electric guitars, piano and orchestral instruments, providing some lovely soundscapes.Again, not a work for Kraut Rock fans to say, but for all those admiring the acoustics of cinematic explorations.