HARVEST

This band is hailing from Greece, known for delivering a sophisticated blend of folk, psychedelia and art rock since some time. Their albums all were released with a lapse of five years approximately. That means space enough to accurately prepare the ground in every case. 'Harvest' appears as their third one, this time distributed through the acclaimed Bad Elephant Music label. It is quite usual, a rather extensive staff is listed in the liner notes, where the band constants right from the beginning are Yorgos Mouhos (guitars) and multi-instrumentalist Nicolas Nikolopoulos. Both are also responsible for the compositions and arrangements. And not to forget Evangelia Kozoni of course. She is providing her mellow folk tinged singing (and reciting) voice with bravura again. On this occasion within a duo quasi, also having second female lead vocalist Dimi Spela on her side.

According to the album title, the cover image so much the more, one can say they have successfully reaped and sorted the products of their recent recording sessions. Well, the result is tasty, versatile and definitely healthy. Balm for the soul. Besides the well-appointed vocals, what also strikes everywhere throughout is the great organ and guitar interplay. Eh, do I hear a flute or the mighty Mellotron actually? They are opting for a very nice and warm entry into the album, immediately offering a typical trademark. Folk, Jazz and Art rock elements perfectly blended together, based on charming melodies all over. Where the very present flute arrangements sometimes are sounding like a well thought out duet of British (Tull) and native Greek inspiration. Terrific!

The Old Man And The Butterfly partially resembles US psych folk bands from the 1970s, let's say 'Jefferson Airplane' or 'It's A Beautiful Day' for example. This way more tricky, multi-varianted though. Swirling instruments, especially flute, saxophone respectively clarinet, Who's To Decide sounds like joy of living set into music, just imagine people dancing all around with feeling of happiness. Queen Of Wishes comes last, the definite album highlight. Mellow and heavy rocking sections are flowing in peaceful coexistence. The more perfect the arrangements, the more there is to harvest, simple as that. A pleasant listen in its entirety. I am very delighted with CICCADA's new piece of work.