CORVUS STONE UNSCREWED

Corvus stone is getting better with each album they release. After the brilliant chaos of CSI, they sounded more mature and tight on CSII, which revealed more of the individual talents of the core musicians.

And now there is 'Unscrewed', an album specially for the people who are familiar with the band but also perfect to discover Corvus Stone. A mix of upgraded old songs and also a bunch of brand new tracks. And as good as CSII is, Unscrewed goes further and beyond. High-class musicianship/ compositions combined with a lovely smooth sound, which results in a warm 70' vibe. Very nice for the ears compared to the annoying 'all faders in the red'- approach of these days.

Opener 'Brand new day' got me confused from the start but in a good way. I was a teenager in the 80's, therefore this song sounded for me like 'Eye of the tiger' meets the opening tunes of A-Team, Magnum PI, and Dallastycrest. But don't let this fool you, it is a great song and a first example of the high standard of musicianship of all band members.

'Early morning calls' is an amazing upgrade of Early morning call. Now with the voices of Sean Filkins and Phil Naro, and they made the vocals fit like a glove on this originally instrumental song. Second track of the album and already first eargasm.

'Joukahainen without chips' starts almost like Chopins Funeral March, someone is definitely sad because there are no chips. Halfway the song the sadness makes place for happy feelings. I guess Jouka is on his way to the store now, he wants chips. But according to the last part of the song, the store must be closed because Jouka is very sad again. Phenomenal guitar notes in that last part played by a 16th century version of Colin Tench, and perfect drumming by guest musician Paul Marchall.

No CS album without funny stuff, 'Horizon' is 70's Sesame Street for naughty kids. Greasy funky keys - and bass action of Pasi Koivu and Petri Lindström.

More silly noises, this time combined with classical music in 'Landfill'. Some might think 'why the hell they try to ruin a beautiful piece of music with weird noises in the background' but strange enough, it fits. These things always can happen on a CS album. Why not?

'After Solstice' drops you back in the 70' with a lovely Focus-vibe and erupts halfway in a great up-tempo jam part with stunning guitar- and keys leads over a pumping rhythm section. Followed by a never -ending ending like they only do in Scandinavia.

When you think you've heard everything, here's Jussipussi. I think only one band is brave enough to add this one to their repertoire. Some say it is written by Stef Flaming from Murky Red, but it was his imaginary friend Nimrod Zwanzibor. They both can't remember it btw. Fantastic track, but keep the emergency number by the hand because this might sound like a drunk Satan opening a can of drunk Satans. Note: StinkfootStef is another imaginary friend, I am the real Stef Flaming, the composer of the original Jussipussi.

'Scary Movie Too' is for me the absolute highlight on Unscrewed. (I lost count of eargasms, they are all over the place, big and small). Double as long as the original Scary Movie and quit a trip! Beautiful piece of music, can't describe it otherwise. you just have to hear it. Everybody will get sucked into it their own way. Once again brilliant musicianship and a lot of inventive guitar notes.

'Petrified in the Cinema Basement' does things with the brain, it throws you back in time and you can't decide if it's Catweazle or Star Trek you're watching. But at a certain point Colin makes his guitar sound like an egg-cutter while Spock says: 'It's folklore Jim, but not as we ...' Brilliant track with a very natural atmosphere. Impressive bass and guitar work and nice subtle drum accents by Robert Wolff. Gypsy music with an edge.

Epic. A new fantasy story can be written with 'Lost & Found' in mind. The subdued vocals of Blake Carpenter make it more epic than ever, and the timpani's gives it a perfect ending. Beautiful track, double as long as the original, therefore a real treat for the fans. Don't miss the velvet backing harmonies by Colin Tench. Like every track of CS you discover these things often not from the first time.

'Cinema Finale' is very simply to describe: it's the song Floyd forgot to record while they were working on The Division Bell. Too late now, Floyd. CS did it already and made it their own. Marvelous guitar- and keys work draped on a smoothly balanced rhythm.

On 'Pack up your Truffles' CS goes into laid back jazz mode. Sounds the best in a darkened, smoky room while consuming a large cup of coffee with a few drops of brandy in it. Very nice but a bit short. Maybe a 6 minute version for future releases ?

Owners of moustaches will be exited to hear this remix of 'Moustaches in Massachusetts'. This song is based around a nervously crawling organ melody and gets interrupted by a few stubborn stops and re-starts. It has a weird jazz-feel, sometimes the organ sounds as if it's played by Ralph of the Muppets doing a gig in (once again) Sesame Street but for extremely naughty kids this time. Kids that already have downloaded Swedish porn at least once in their lives.

Overall conclusion, 'Unscrewed' is a trip through music history. Baroque/renaissance meets 70's prog. This reflects on the artwork by Sonia Mota, because the total package (audio and visual) is a masterpiece .There is a lot fuzz about the bum (is it hers or not??). But just like the musicians played the music, Sonia did this with her heart and soul and delivered the perfect artwork for the band. Very stylish and hand painted, a monks work.

This is a must have for everybody with good taste and a sense of humor. Multiple eargasms guaranteed.