THE GREAT PROPHECY OF A SMALL MAN

Modest Midget was a project put together by Lionel Ziblat, a classically trained composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer. This the debut album was released in 2010, with Lionel playing most of the music himself, along with a few guest musicians (most of whom aren't named ore recognised, so it isn't possible to even say how many people were involved). This really is one of those albums that is a reviewer's nightmare as not only are the songs quite different to each other, but there is such a fractured mix of styles going on that it is hard to pin down what is going on, apart from knowing that it is excellent (and then being frustrated at not having the words to hand to describe it).

The one band these guys do get compared to more than any other is Gentle Giant, but of course they sound nothing like them, although I can understand where some people may say that given some of the arrangements. It is spiky energetic music that at times brings in Zappa and Cardiacs, as well as plenty of British pop. I can imagine The Kinks having fun with this, but really have no idea why, nor why Traffic should also be included. But, I swear that if you hear this then it will all make sense, maybe. It is progressive, but in its truest sense, and mixed with so many Sixties pop sensibilities that one can almost see the Carnaby Street suits and swagger. It certainly sounds like an album that has come out of London, with some American influences, and not from an Argentinian who lived in Israel before settling in Holland. Confused? You should be, but all you need to know is that this is awesome.