WAR AND PEACE

Like the better known "War and Peace" author, PANDORA SNAIL hails from Russia, which has lately proved to be a competent prog country. This Fusion-esque instrumental album -- there are vocals on the credits but they are almost non-existent -- was actually recorded already in 2010. The compositions are credited to the keyboardist and the guitarist (whether separately or in collaboration, I don't know), but neither of them is guilty for exaggerating his own part. Instead it's often the violin that gets the lead role.

The playing of this quintet is full of dynamics, jazzy energy and stylistic flexibility, more than an average band would achieve in a decade. Also the music writing is so mature that it's very hard to guess who could be their prog influences. They might have listened to e.g. Mahavishnu Orchestra, Canterbury bands, King Crimson, Curved Air and Pekka Pohjola, and surely a myriad of other artists. Their style is definitely their own, even if it's not radically new and unheard before. And what's best, there's a genuine joy of playing to be heard. Hence the rather dystopic cover art is in slight contrast to the music, but we can always think that the gigantic sbail looming behind the window represents the playfulness on this 62-minute album. Warmly recommended.