AMNESIA

Formed around guitarists Clinton Wilkins and Justin Spivey the MARMALADE KNIVES means an asset of six musicians hailing from Santa Cruz, California. With their debut album 'Amnesia' they are offering really fine progressive rock music. That said, featuring strong psychedelic orientation and proper experimental open-minded attitude. The music's centerpiece is the fantastic multi-varied dual guitar work. When it comes to me leading into rather different reminiscences each time when listening, examplarily to heroes as diverse as Micky Jones, Terje Rypdal, John Cipollina, Jerry Garcia for example ... and many others which came into my mind on and off. On the other hand, Nathan Warrick's organ contributions are having a minimal role here. Development potential when it comes to further albums anyhow.

The rhythm section, consisting of Mark Robinson and Kyle Herrenkohl, comes very groovy in general, occasionally even funky. Seven impressing compositions are building the album's backbone, an entertaining effort issued by Electric Valley Records, residing in Sardinia, Italy. There's a lot to discover, assured. For example, Adam Kriney is serving some percussion which incorporates little raga respectively ethno world flair. Rivuleting turns out to be my favourite tune here, touches me very much, simply brilliant. Similar bands are Astra, Man, Shaman Elephant, Moonwagon, just for an approximate orientation, not more. A highly recommended album, four out of five stars well deserved.