ENSIGN OF FAIRIES. VOLUME 1

Lantinor originally started life as a hard rock group in Barnaul, the administrative centre of Altai Krai in Russia. After some changes in line-up the style also moved to something that was more British, containing folk elements. They managed to attract a following, but having released their debut album, the band seem to disappear from the scene. Band leader Alexander Kaminsky recorded four albums during this period under the guise of Lantinor, with the group 'proper' getting back together in 2005. Since then they have released first 'Book of Rites and then 'Last Wonder of the World', and have now returned with 'Ensign of Fairies, Book 1'.

Apparently this is a concept album, but given that the lyrics are in Russian it is meaningless to me so have to use the voice as another instrument. But, musically there is more than enough going on as they appear to have taken mid-Seventies Horslips and Jethro Tull as a base, and have then brought in Jadis and Steve Hillage to create a sound that is very much of times past, classic retro prog if you were. The guitars are clean and clear, with some concise but dynamic solos, and the guys definitely shift the style around. The7 have no problem from moving to power pop or punk-lite if that is what is needed as part of the musical progression, or to be more layered and harmonic if that is what is needed.

If, like me to keep the listener interested, so if like me you don't worry too much about the language then this is worth investigating further. It isn't indispensable, but is worth hearing.

Russian band LANTINOR was formed back in 1992 and recorded one album back then before folding. Band leader Alexander Kaminsky decided to continue using the band however, and various constellations of Lantinor have released a fair few albums over the years. "Ensign of Fairies: Book 1" is their eighth full length album, issued through MALS Records in 2013.

Lantinor comes across as a well defined and developed band, safe and assured in the music they create and perform. 70's progressive rock of the somewhat harder edged variety, liberally coated with subtly folk music inspired details, appears to be the main forte of this band, and should be worth an inspection by those who enjoy the music bands like Rush and Jethro Tull made some 35 odd years ago.