ANANKE

Ananke marks the new collaboration between two former Abraxas members, gifted singer Adam Lassa and keyboardist Krzysztof Pacholski (later with Anyway), who was part of the band's early line-up.They were formed in early 2009 in their hometown Bydgoszcz, Poland, featuring also Karol Szolz on guitar, Bartlomiej Stys on bass and Wiktor Wyka on drums.For the process of their debut ''Malachity'', which was recorded in the near village of Zeleznica, they were helped by ex-Xenn guitarist Lukasz Świech.The album was released on the leading Polish Prog label Lynx.

With Ananke you have to forget the epic, symphonic and sometimes bombastic music of Abraxas, as their music contains elements closer to the soft moments of SATELLITE, MILLENIUM or MR. GIL.''Malachity'' consists of ten short tracks, which are extremely lyrical and atmospheric, giving space to Lassa's poetic voice all the way with few variations regarding the musicianship.However this lyrical Art Rock approach is consistent and tight with nice themes supporting Lassa's performance.Smooth piano lines, changes between acoustic guitars and heavier electric moments and some grandiose background synths are the basic ingredients of the album and the songs follow a regular song-based form.The atmospheres created though are pretty impressive and a great example of the unique Polish sound, having a very emotional content.The few moments the band flirts with the typical Neo Prog sound of Poland are the propably the best, like the longest track ''Asyz'' or some limited instrumental passages in different tracks.

Nice and decent debut, fairly different from the old Abraxas sounds, still good enough for keeping an eye on this interesting group.Recommended to all fans of lyrical adventures with deeply atmospheric music.