DESERT BUTTERFLIES

Some years ago Yossi Sassi sent me a message through PA asking to review this album. As you can see I'm very lazy, but sometimes you need to find the right moment for the right approach on an album. This hot and dry summer is perfect for his "Desert Butterflies" and now I regret to haven't actually paid the right attention to the album.

It's mainly instrumental, but features also on the track "Believe" the Italian vocalist Mariangela Demurtas who is also singer for the Norwegian band Tristania and for the Italian gothic Ardours, other than releasing on her own. The other track with lyrics is the closer "Cocoon" on which I suppose the singer is Yossi himself. Very nice voice, indeed.

The music, very well produced, is a mixture of oriental influences due to the use of traditional string instruments (charango excluded), rock guitar riffs, and catchy melodies sometimes borderline with newage. In particular, "Neo Quest" has some contact points with the Greek keyboardist Yanni. At least I think to hear so, but don't get me wrong: it's prog.

The hot and dry ambience can be found in the first two tracks, then the music takes its own path crossing various genres.

The result is a good album with some very true highlights which is forcing me to dig into its follow-up Roots And Roads, also that sent me by the artist for a review.

I apologize for the long time taken with 4 deserved stars.