THE WITCHING HOUR

A very interesting band which I first noticed on the local radio. This is a two-man band (two brothers) playing several instruments. I haven't listened to the previous albums yet but this one has nothing to do with prog folk IMO. It consists of two discs. The first three sogns are nice and have a slight funky feeling with heavy bass and athmospheric saxophones.

The fourth track Shiver reminds the early period of Jethro Tull with flute but this does not mean that it is a dull imitation but rather a good tribute. The final of the song has a nice interplay between flute and percussions. The flute continues to play in the next song Triskelion and the final has an impressive and emotional melody.

The last song of Disc 1 is also nice with acoustic guitars and electric piano.

Disc 2 consists of longer and more proggy tracks. First song (16 min.) Dream Tea has some psychedelic moments in the second part a la Echoes of PF.

Second track Midnight Chimes begins with vocal but then moves on with nice instrumental play then passes to the next song Again Midnight Chimes with drums & percussion intro which leads to flute again and one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. The album closes with two short but nice and mellow instrumentals.

In conclusion it is surprising to see that I am the first one to discover this album. It is not prog folk but if you like melodic rock with certain prog influence in it you will like it. Worth listening.

3,5 stars upgraded to four.