THE GREAT PROPHECY OF A SMALL MAN

The man behind this project is Lional Ziblat, an Argentinian-Israeli multi-instrumentalist and composer with a wide spectrum of influences, including Ethnic, Classical and Rock Music.Modest Midget started to take shape around 2006, when Ziblat joined forces with Emiel de Jong, a user of wind-instruments.Two years later a tryout for live performances was established with Artis Orubs on drums and Tristan Hupe on keyboards, but the results were rather inconsistent.Ziblat took his project back to the studio to finish the rehearsals for a debut album, the whole thing lasted until 2009 with Ziblat handling multiple instruments and joined by a few guests on strings.A second attempt for a live formation was launched with Richard Zoer on bass, who had been touring live with Kayak, Modest Midget scanned The Netherlands with a closeout concert in May 2010, when the fresh album ''The great prophecy of a small man'' was officially presented.

What Modest Midget and Lional Ziblat proposed was a rich and intense Prog Pop, which still had some flavors from the past, but was updated with the new technology, even flirting at moments with Alternative Rock due to the scratching sound of electric guitars.As a result you shouldn't expect any attempt on long, epic compositions, what you should expect though is some quirky and deeply progressive music in short cuts, which sound like being influenced by GENTLE GIANT, YES and THE BEATLES in equal doses, while I even get a taste of SYD ARTHUR in specific tracks, where the band appears to introduce inspirations from the British Psych/Prog scene of the 70's.Main characteristics come from Folk, Classical, Heavy Rock and Psychedelic Music with the sound being based on electroacoustic motives, retro colors through the use of organ and more contemporary stylings like the powerful electric leads or the use of synthesizer.Occasional additions of string- and wind instruments along with the soft piano lines deliver an even richer sound, while most of the tracks feature impressive breaks, tempo changes and shifting moods, going from elaborate and smooth textures to fast-paced and complex themes.The voice of Ziblat is excellent, very clean, supported often by some lovely vocal harmonies and often used like an instrument that goes along with the music.

Very good work of quirky Prog/Art Rock combined with poppy tunes and early 70's nuances.Multi-influenced, diverse and well-composed/-executed material, deserving some warm praise.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.