AMAROK

Poland became a quite prolific soil for progressive bands during recent years. Most importantly not only for those in the usual Marillion-Pendragon-Arena line but as well for some with really different sound like Riverside or Indukti for example. So here we have another one of these young talents coming from there. Michal Wojtas is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and a dedicated fan of Mike Oldfield. That's why he gave this name to his band project. Influences from that famous paragon cannot be totally denied neither in his playing style nor in the kind of music offered here on their debut album. Most of the tracks are pure instrumental and up to a considerable proportion more in an acoustic vein. There are occasionally very pleasant female vocals. Especially instruments like piano, violin and flute are providing a nice symphonic atmosphere. At times when it's getting more into a rock vein like in "Massa" Wojtas' guitar play sounds a bit too much like Mark Knopfler, at least for my taste.

Though being not entirely my top favourite type of music I've to say that AMAROK's debut is really a quite notable one and should appeal to any fan of OLDFIELD or CAMEL. Not as interesting and innovative as Riverside or Indukti, but still better than the usual neo progressive standards. I'd add an extra half star if possible!