GHOSTS

Was für eine grosse überraschung! This is a most unexpected surprise, as I went on a whim whilst reading some previous reviews and get rewarded by some unreal sounds and textures! The brief but lovely "Crowns" opens up the magical sonic portal to a new fresh dimension, taking little to beguile immediately with some sublime melodies. This gets a massive steamroller going, the deadly "Dreams" clocking in at nearly 12 minutes and taking us boldly into a luxuriant world of moods and spirit, where vocalist Antje Auer performs a 2 track tour de force. A colossal dash of mercurial violin adds to the exaltation. Keysman Andreas Hack is a skilled weaver of tones, at times pastoral and others, symphonic and his' bruder' Christian Hack wields a majestic guitar, together with second fretman Sebastian Koch, gently visceral when called upon which is often. The bass and drums complement nicely, a manic flute blazing away in the background. A shocking piece of work this is, spectacular in its proginess and quite original to boot. Thing a mellower Solstice. The lead guit solo is organic and lethal in its ardent beauty. As Mr Spock would say = "Fascinating!" The shorter and hyper-melancholic "Sadness" is decidedly rockier, a breeze bass led rumble loaded with mood and at first vocoded voice, bulldog and tangerine soundscapes collide but when Antje kicks the mike stand, she relishes in the opportunity to wail away. Ach, mein Gott, this is a pure delight, surely when the volume is ratcheted up on your audio system. "Tempest" is another epic in the decimal count, ticking in at over 10 minutes, Hack's highly deliberate and fragile piano musings lay the foundation of an astral voyage of amazing sounds and astonishing vision. The dual guitars weave a silken path that defies applause, golden filaments of crashing chords, on the edge of soporific, proof that nothing is more beautiful in music than pure simplicity. While never overtly complex, their genius lies in their fresh approach and ensuing originality , I couldn't help reflecting over and over , that I have never heard anything like this, and by golly, I have listened to a lot in the past 43 years , I assure you ! And not just prog (winkies!). The siren-like vocals are to tremble in appreciation at, a perfect rocket to impel the crew to greater creative heights (check out the cute guitar fills towards the end?and the killer-lead raunchfest later .Wow!). "Ringshine" is a wee one again, acoustic guitar painting the piano ivories, in loving embrace, a crystalline reflection of a moment in time. Back to three longer final cuts with "Dance No More" (funny title that!) up first to bat. This is a do or die instant in the posterity of this album and where it will legate in the pantheon of Prog accomplishment and I am relieved to inform that the notch has been kicked up to a heavenly level. The axework is scintillating once again and when they lay down the bridge for Antje's haunting voice, this music just sparkles with vibrant delicacy. The mid-section gets very reserved and almost angelic as if inspired by unseen spirits guiding the way towards a solo fusillade by the 2 fluid stringmen. Devastating, I say!. The stellar "Mermaid" perpetuates the sonic balm even beyond the traditional folk-prog dimensions by composing a sheer masterpiece of filigree and shadow (thank you This Mortal Coil) , a jewel that defies description so shimmering is its glow. Sealed with a blistering guitar barrage that I have never encountered before, sizzling, fizzling, oblique and explosive , thoroughly nasty ! This is followed by a gorgeous soft section of utter splendor, the violin caressing the serene voice, pleading and crying forlornly. Audacious and dreamy, like a floating nirvana. Finally, the shining "Come" ends the parade of cascading stars with another Antje rant, a somber reflection of pain and bewilderment, embraced by a poignant violin screeching, wounded. The guitars just add the coup de grace??.. Bravo, bravo, bravo! Though far from Teutonic, the musicians have displayed a unique talent that deserves recognition and future encouragement. The finest German release in a very, very long time. It was worth the wait ,this recording is a breeze to listen to, never boring, always compelling 5 droning dunes