STRANGE BEHAVIOUR

After three studio albums, KARNATAKA must have thought that it was high time to make a live album, and rightly so. This CD, "Strange Behaviour", is the perfect anthology from the repertoire of this symphonic rock band. Actually, this is the album that everyone has been waiting for. Even though the music is still what you imagine it to be, the studio albums were always a bit too clean and polished and even too well produced. People who know and love the band will know what I'm talking about. Luckily, this 'defect' can be corrected. On this album, they should sound just like you hear them: deliciously symphonic, but with the necessary rough edges of the guitar. Because of this, the CD has become a real guitar album, but without the endless flim flam that some other guitar albums have fallen prey to. Every guitar lover will agree that the solos, riffs and loops are to die for. Paul Davies knows how to dish it out. This is the ideal mix for the symphonic rock lover: atmospheric and well thought out compositions with the right feel for melody, harmony and song structure and then sprinkled with divine guitar solos, all performed by talented musicians. From a vocal perspective, Rachel Jones, together with Anne-Marie Helder, carries the album to a high level, as well.

This album is therefore the ticket to the music of KARNATAKA for the rest of the world who is not yet familiar with them. There should be a sticker on the CD for those who want to try something new or have been putting off buying it. And that sticker would read: "Caution. The music on this CD could change your musical tastes for the rest of your life."

>>> Review by: Jany (9/10) Translated by Jennifer Summer<<<

KARNATAKA is a band full of accomplished musicians with the talent to make world-class music every time they record, which they do. I have yet experienced the pleasure of hearing them in the studio, but that time will happen soon enough. Previous to this 2 CD set; I heard another live performance on a DVD (In Concert) nearly two years ago, that introduced to this fine band. They certainly seem to be in their element performing live and this recording is more evidence of that.

"Strange Behaviour" is an awesome example of the hypnotic power that this band holds over their audiences throughout an entire performance of the various tracks from their catalog. This fantastic 2003 presentation certainly held me spellbound throughout. The combination of instruments and vocals are magical. Rachel Jones has an angelic voice that sucks you right and does not let go. When Jones' vocals call upon the guitar of Paul Davies he answers with subtle or powerful licks. The adept guitarist provides whatever is necessary to make everything work perfectly for her voice and the tempo of each composition. Jonathan Edwards is amazing on keyboards, what a talent; he also knows when to be strong or laid back. Their music works with the ebb and tide of emotion found in each song, in total synchronization with the lead singer. Everyone plays their parts beautifully, taking the cue from each other then stepping in to add their contributions, including Gavin John Griffiths (drums, percussion), Anne-Marie Helder (vocals, flutes, shawn & percussion) and Ian Jones (bass and acoustic guitars, bass pedals).

The eighth track on CD 2, "Out Of Reach," signals the end of the concert but it is not. There is a brief pause then more music comes your way, a few songs (I'm assuming they are the previously unreleased tracks) totaling more than 24 more minutes, which are as extraordinary as every other previous recording. I don't think I have ever heard a bad song by this band, it's amazing.

This production and recording is so good that it makes you feel as though you have a VIP seat right there while it's all happening, quite extraordinary if I do say so myself, and without any major label backing thank you very much. KARNATAKA is the best band you have never heard. I think its time all of that changed. In my humble opinion, they are one of the best bands in the world. This would be a wonderful introduction to their incredible music so make sure you get it. After a second dose of their live shows, I need to hear all of their studio albums now!

One of the most beautiful CDs I had the opportunity to hear in the last year or two. Absolutely stunning perfomrance by this very underrated band from the United Kingdom. Their studio albums may sound a little too polished, but Strange Behaviour shows how good they are in front of an audience! Their sound is a joy to hear from beginning to end, and we´re talking about a 2 hour+ album!

Karnakata music is quite unique but if you want some reference think about a more progressive version of Clannad, less folkish and more rockier. This impression may be given by the fact that Rachel Jones has a superb voice that is a bit similar to Clannad´s Maire Brennan. Add that to Anne Marie Helder fine harmonies and you have a perfect combination that makes you shiver everytimne of you hear them singing together. Helder also plays the flute on some songs to give an extra texture. Simply great.

But let´s not forget that the musicians are also superb and work as a tigh unit. Sometimes is hard to believe this is a live album. All them are great, but mention must be given to Jonathan Edwards beautiful keyboards textures and, specially, to guitarrist Paul Davies who shows his tasteful guitar breaks and solos everytime the song ask for it (and then giving it a little bit more!). Absolute perfect timing and talent.

Ok, they are a bit mellow sometimes, but never lame. In fact I can´t really find any fault in this album. If you like melodic prog rock with some incredible female vocals, this is a must have. Highly recommended!

This live album is a very pleasant one. But unfortunately the last one from "Karnataka". Their debut album showed a very solid band putting together a very good pop-prog-folk music almost carbon-copied from "Mostly Autumn". But since I find this band rather catchy, I could only be pleased with what I heard.

Both bands have a great duo vocals / guitar. Rachel Jones / Paul Davies for "Karnataka" and Bryan Josh / Heather Findlay for "Mostly Autumn". To make things more complicated, Anne-Marie Helder (vocals / flute) will participate in the work of both bands, while Rachel will be backing vocalist on "Storm Over London" a live album from ..."MA". Both bands appeared on the same bill as well (i.e. in Rotherham in 2001). Cross-history in a certain way.

IMHHO, their best work was their debut album. So, I'm a bit disappointed with the tracklist of this double CD set since only three songs are featured. Nonetheless, this live set is damned good. To be honest, it is almost comparable with "The Story So Far" from "MA". Same bewitchment for Rachel's vocals for this one as for Heather on "The Story...".

Her tone of voice, so deep, so passionate, so skilled, so ... perfect is just an enchantment. What a pity that she will stop singing with "Karnataka". The future of the band is also very vague if you look at their web-site : still touring under this name but releasing a "debut album" under the name of "Chasing The Monsoon" with a new line-up. Strange and totally unclear.

Anyway, this set is full of nice melodies, very well performed. The whole is maybe a bit lenghty, mellow and too much of the same thing but it is really worth a listen. "After The Rain" is absolutely fantastic (both guitar & vocals) but it is hard to mention an average song because there are none. Another highlight is "The Right Time" and the closing "Out Of Reach".

Just like "MA", some average songs will be turned into good ones thanks to Paul Davies's guitar-work ("Delicate Flame Of Desire") for instance. Over two hours of excellent music. Not a masterpiece but a very much recommended live album. For those willing to enter their catalogue, it is a winner although as I have said in the preliminaries of this review, their best work is their debut album.

I will rate this album with four stars. I'm so in love with Rachel's voice (and look, because on top of being a great vocalist, she is a superb woman as well).