Can the early 70s prog sound be cloned nowadays?

But this is only part of the deal here. The Worm Ouroboros are a new band coming from Minsk Belarus, but they were playing since 2006 so they are not so new in playing together. One thing is for sure these guys have absorbed a lot of influences from the 70's prog scene, I think you'll be happy to find out there's a massive influence from the Canterbury scene/Prog Folk and symphonic prog, where I'm most reminded of Caravan, Camel and the playfulness of Moving Gelatine Plates. There's also some psychedelic overtones, nothing's too trippy but it is still there hovering above. Funk or should I say groove is another style that found its way into the mix, these guys can definitely swing when they need to. This meal wouldn't be perfect without a desert so this time the band is serving Zehul! Now I sure didn't see this coming! For those of you who doesn't like the classic Zehul shouldn't have any trouble with this, since it is still melodic and quite grooving. I can't say this album heavily rocks, it's not the point here, but I sure do love when they get that itch! As part of their intricate arrangements, they do feel the need of a rocking outburst every now and then, which gives another dimention to this wonderful band.

The album is centered around the quality interplay and song writing of Sergey Gvozdyukevich (vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitars, flute) and Vladimir Sobolevsky (electric and acoustic guitars). They are backed by the fantastic Alexey Zapolsky (bass) and Eugene Zarkhin (drums). The final touch of Vitaly Appow (reeds) completes the picture and adding a lot of depth to the arrangements, complementing everyone's playing.

There isn't any prog from the weird zone (at least for those of you who knows weird bands), Worm is focusing on beautiful melodies using a rich sound, nothing's sacchrine, not at all. There isn't any unique instrumentation, we've heard all of that already but for some reason it doesn't sound like your ordinary and plain 'ol flute, acoustic guitar and keys thing. The level of songwriting and simplicity takes those few notes to a higher level, it just works! the connection and interplay between the musicians is fabulous, I can easily put them into the 'I stunned you with 4 notes' club.

"L'Impasse Sainte Bérégonne" starts this journey with a weird and disturbing atmosphere. A huge bass and flute leads the way as it gets more intense and breaks with an excellent guitar solo, check out that fierce flute towards the end, that would make Ian Anderson think "why didn't I think of that?". The next "Shelieth" is totally different and shows what a brilliant musician Sergey Gvozdyukevich is, using all kinds of warm delicate keyboard sounds, he's very eclectic in his playing and in his sound choices, so this one sounds very diverse and refreshing, accompanied by a restrained but effective guitar playing. Man that melody in the closing part is simply gorgeous!!! and is weaved into the song so cleverly.

The band are including here a few short Folky instrumental interludes between the main songs, needless to say that every one of them is stunning in its own special way. I have to say this time it doesn't sound detached at all, on the contrary, it only adds to the overall feel of the album. My favourite one is "The Magi" with of course a beautiful acoustic guitar and flute, but what impresses me most here is the heavily accented vocals, so melodic, I love how he sings this one. "The Pear-Shaped Man" and my special favourite "Pirates in Pingaree" shows their outstanding song writing ideas. It doesn't matter where the song is heading they can easily turn you over with an amazing simple melody that would make you wanna weep in joyous happiness (Pirates in Pingaree).

"Soleil Noir" is calmer and focusing on vocals but it sure does gets much more intense towards the end, fabulous. "The Curfew" is the main surprise here although it is quite different harbouring pure Zehul elements it doesn't sound too far off at all but still keeping the line of the album, it only goes to show how brilliant and sophisticated this band really is. The deep bass and dark zehulic vocals lead the way here sounding like Weidorje, but not too long when they suddenly go funky! Oh yeah! "Return To The Cold Sea Of Nothing" is the final 10 minute epic, continuing the high level of playing by all members.

This is absolutely one of the most thrilling and promising modern albums I've come to hear, I think you'll find it a very easy and captivating listen. Definitely deserves the fifth star, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!