VOID

Italian quartet THE REDZEN was formed in 2009, with Ettore Salati, Roberto Leoni and Marco Schembri as the principal founding members, the latter leaving the project soon after its inception however. But the line-up soon stabilized and music was made both on the stage and in the studio by the foursome. "Void" is their debut effort and was issued in early 2011 through the Italian label MaRaCash Records.

Those who like instrumental progressive rock that covers relatively vast ground in terms of expression, are able to appreciate and enjoy fluent compositions with a strong improvised feel, and like their music to be fairly challenging yet accessible should find this band and their debut album to be a fascinating acquaintance, well worth exploring. A fine initial effort by a talented band, and one I hope we will hear more from in years to come.

The RedZen began life in Milan in 2009 on the initiative Roberto Leoni (drums), Ettore Salati (guitars) and Marco Schembri (bass), three former members of The Watch. After some jam-sessions as a trio, keyboardist Angelo Racz joined the party while some months later Marco Schembri left the band and was replaced by another experienced bassist, Nicola Della Pepa. In 2011 with this line up the band released their debut album, 'Void', on the independent label Ma.Ra.Cash Records. Well, first of all I have to say that the overall sound of The RedZen is quite different from The Watch, a band that nowadays sounds even 'more Genesis than Genesis'. In some way all the tracks are the fruit of a collective work and of long jam sessions, the influences of the musicians range from jazz to metal, from fusion to progressive rock and the final result is a tasteful, colourful musical cocktail where all these ingredients are mixed together.

The artwork by Alessia Giangrande depicts an exotic landscape and a cluster of gigantic marbles in the sand. In my opinion it sets the atmosphere for the opener 'Cluster', a lively track with the keyboards in the forefront where you can imagine an hypnotic celebration of the nature with a light bird flying high and making evolutions in the air.

With the following 'Hot Wine' the party goes on, the rhythm takes off and you can imagine a beautiful woman from Tokyo dancing in a deep purple dress among the tables of crowded venue while the band is jamming. 'Slapdash Dance' is in the same vein, with a touch of Oriental mysticism and bright colours. Next comes 'Alexa In The Cage', in my opinion the weakest track on the album. It was previously included in the "Dante's Paradiso" compilation released in 2010 by Colossus/Musea and features the vocals of the guest Joe Sal with English lyrics about a troubled relationship.

The excellent 'Into The Void' begins softly, the atmosphere is dreamy and the music leads you on a long trip through time and space. Then the ambiguous 'Who's Bisex' takes you back on earth with its frenzied, swinging pace and pulsing bass lines. The following 'Return To Kolkata' begins with the sound of a sitar and evokes a long journey to India full of surprises and dramatic musical landscapes. On the next 'Spin The Wheel' there's a sound of hooters in the background and an electric guitar arpeggio suggesting fiery, infernal developments with the hell's bells ready to ring. An instrumental version of the aforementioned 'Alexa In The Cage' concludes the album. On the whole a very interesting work from a band with a great potential!

Excellent, well played and full of intresting moments this first album named Void from 2011 of the italian band The RedZen. Progressive/jazz fusion is what they offer, but a fine one all the way. Formed in 2009 by guitarist Ettore Salati from The Watch and aswell member in Alex Carpani band he gather on his side anothert two members from The Watch + bass player. Musicaly speaking , VOid is almost in places spectacular to my ears, the musicianship is excellent, they play very easy on instruments, creating some great moments here. The opening track shows what potential this band has, with nice keyboards and overall atmosphere. Another highlight is Hot Wine and Into the void, very nice , with complex arrangements, nice breaks, tepo changes. All pieces are instrumental minus Alexa in the Cage who has voice but aswell has an instrumental version here. So, a very solid release that goes recommended for sure, the band exploring all the prog/jazz fusion realm and the resoult is quite impressive. Very nice cover art that goes hand in hand with the music. 4 stars easy.