MILD PROFUNDITIES

This band caught me completely off guard! Expecting some kind of fruity musical obscenities akin to Frank Zappa with a hefty wagon full of retro prog, I then got something completely different.

Yes this is Canterbury, and while this particular brand of music has become something of a rare breed these days, it does my heart and ears good to know that people out there in the wide world still are experimenting with things like this old English fusion twist.

Sure, like others here have mentioned - most notably John(thanks buddy for letting me know about this fantastic band!), there are heaps of black unbridled humour going on - I mean just take a look at the manly nun presented on the art work... Then you have the lyrics that successfully continue this rather peculiar image right down to the t, but to these ears at least, that is not really what this band is all about. Peel away the meaning of the words, and you get intelligent songwriting with beautifully sung vocals - writhing over and under each other in blissful harmonies. Twinkling guitars, understated but effectively right there leading these tunes into well orchestrated choruses and instrumental sections, that for some inexplicable reason make me think of Caravan, although Antique Seeking Nuns sound altogether differently. I guess it has something to do with the sparingly usage of synths and soloing organs - that very distinctively highlights the individual peaks hiding within the tunes here - making them glisten and shine like a pair of wax jeans. Caravan did this as well, and I for one just love music that lifts the heritage of something that perhaps is even more rare within the modern prog rock scene than the odd Canterbury act - subtlety, and making it work. One of the key ingredients for me here are those electronics and the way they infuse larval creeping textures into the music. On the surface of things, they might seem out of place, but when you've heard more than 10 seconds of it, you suddenly realise just how important they are to the overall picture here. Yummy yum yum!

Imagine a quirkier more uplifting fusion take on Porcupine Tree - and then add a natural flow to the proceedings that reek of mature songwriting and subtle instrumentations, and you effectively get this band. I can't imagine ever giving an EP masterpiece status, but I will say that this is just about the closest I have ever come. By far one of the most enthralling musical surprises I have encountered in a long time, and I strongly urge anyone with an affinity for Canterbury to hunt this one down. It truly offers a parallel reality of what this style can be - and furthermore does it eloquently and addictively. Currently I have been humming, singing, whistling the melodies off of this release like a confused wasp in love. It genuinely is that good. I want a full album of it please!!!!!

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