RISE OF THE WATERFOWL

This album reincarnated my hopes that retro prog will rise from the ashes. Farmhouse Odyssey's symphonic-fusion dipped second album is a real emotional bomb. Everything ranging from the ideas, to instrumentation and orchestration choices to the nuances in production feels... homely. A nostlagic and touching scent vibrates through the air, as the digital disc is swiftly spinning. Alex Espe's soft and trembling legato creates a very (for the lack of a better term) cute atmosphere. He might not be a technical master? but he is able to convey an enthralling mood really well. His keyboard sounds, which in my opinion serve as the main glue holding the music together are very organic and feel genuine, with the ability to not only power through the mix like a bullet, but also wrap you in mystery and curiosity. The rhythym/guitar section supports him effortlessly, inducing the rest of the emotional spectrum in the listener (the guitar solo that comes around minute 8 in Speedbump is pure elegance). On the other hand, Rise of the Waterfowl isn't a timelss ultramasterpiece. Sometimes, the magic is not present, especially when you see through how hard they tried to push the emotional barrier and thus the music sounds a teeny bit colorless (and a little too cute). Anyway, despite the minor nitpick, it's still a gorgeous record of sugary cosy and spark of authenticality, that in my humble opinion, many new symphonic progressive bands lack.