SNAPSHOTS

There's a lot going on these days in the realm of progressive rock. Icons of the past team up and young talents show off their collective muscles, producing daring and endearing pieces of work. Russia has not been a country I have explored in any great lengths when it comes to progressive rock but in the past year or so I have come in contact with a couple of bands that truly shows that prog knows no boundaries, musically or nationwise.

"Snapshots" is an instrumental album, starting off with "Me". That song gives me the feeling of sitting in a jaded bar, listening to some band playing music aimed at pleasing but the overall context of the place brings the music into mellow and sad territories, instead of a joyful celebration of life. The second section brings the music up several notches, going from post-war mellowness to contemporary musical intrigue and excitement. I don't know how this comes across but believe me, this is good stuff. I see it as an introduction to the things to come. The show is ready to begin.

Eclectic, yes. That is the word to describe Disen Gage. Already the next track, "Them", shows the band heading into different territory. It's a sort of disjointed musical landscape that makes you feel uneasy. "Chums" is again a mellow piece with great jazzy sensations and melody. "Memories" brings echoes of King Crimson with it's soaring Fripp-like guitar and "Foolery" is a playful, circus-like tune that brings a smile to my face.

"Equilibrium" is a great song which brings Jethro Tull to mind with it's folky bottom and gaze at the horizon. Beautiful and one of my favorites on the album. Quite extraordinary piece. "Trip" is yet again a barely jointed piece with Nintendo 8 bit-sounds playing the fool underneath a layer of heavy bass and intricant drumming. It really needs to be heard. A trip it is. "Hangover" concludes the album and is a slap bass treat.

This album is hard to pinpoint but it is an ecclectic triumph where every idea that comes up gets tested and tried. That is a fine thing. In some cases the result may be less triumphant but in this case it works. I really enjoy this album and think it deserves a listen by anyone interested in contemporary prog. Great album and great job!