THE DRIFTING SAILER

"for months, more often for entire generations man seeks for light. He runs faster and faster in the vain attempt to reach it. He shall discover, at the end of hids route, he had lived the constant eclipse of himself".

Grimalkin is a "contemporary" italian prog band that released their only album to date in 1996 under the newly (then) born lizardrecords. The name Grimalkin can be defined as an old or evil-looking she-cat. The term stems from gray (the color) plus malkin, an archaic word for cat. During the middle ages, the name grimalkin (as cats in general) became associated with the devil and witchcraft. Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin. Shakespeare makes the Witch in Macbeth say, "I come, Graymalkin". The band has elaborated a musical symphonic journey though the outer space with some important dramatic sections. Symphonic science-fiction.

The main role is played by strong atmospheric and ethereal keyboards that, sadly, don't sound vintage. Fortunately, there's an excellent interplay with fiery electric guitars and some convincing rythmical evolutions that make the final result sounding often excellent, even though blending plastic Genesis sound with plastic Pink Floyd. That's the main peculiarity, after many listenings. Sound is builded and structured upon some echoes effects that, despite being very useful to give the impression of a space odissey, seem to deprive, a little, freshness and genuineness of the good arrangements. Anyway, this is not unusual for the albums released in the first and mid nineties. Vocals are very sparse and the work becomes, de facto, almost an instrumental record.

The record includes two longer tracks above the 10 minutes long: "The Drifting Sailer" (including Sails, Lost Sunset, Lightening, Ice Irides, Quantum, The Energy Touch) and "Convoyager" (including Starbees, Cryogen Slumber Seeds, Queen Bee Odissey, Eclipse). These two represent the most dreamy and spacey parts, at the risk of appearing, somehow, boring.

The opener "Silence/Ambush" and the next "The Flute and the Knight" are more pompous. The second one, in particular, that also delivers very good bass lines and drums.

An album and a band to discover.

For all you cats' lovers!