Russian Prog Appreciation Thread - Progressive Rock Music Forum

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Rivertree

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Posted: May 27 2007 at 11:32

This Apple Pie is not unique russian - tastes very british/american IMO Big%20smile

artguyken

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Posted: May 27 2007 at 11:20

Apple Pie. Has anyone mentioned Apple Pie? I've not listened to more than a few seconds, but I'd received an email from a friend today recommending them. They're on the MALS label, out of Moscow. (also on MALS is Jeremy & Progressor's "Pearl of Great Price" and 33 [Gruppa 33 - Group 33]) Here's the link for some Apple Pie samples:
http://mals.ru/apple_pie.htm

As Russian as Apple Pie?

Prog-jester View Drop Down

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Posted: May 20 2007 at 07:43

^ thanks

Dirk

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Posted: May 19 2007 at 20:07

Prog-jester wrote:

201st post in Russian Thread!!!

congrats

Back to business. Now you can get my feedback on new KARFAGEN and AVIVA albums

Don't be shy Igor, you deserve a compliment for your work here also for Eugene and others that i don't know so well right now, you have made me interested in music from the Russia sphere and i have not regretted the journey sofar Thumbs%20Up

artguyken

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Posted: May 19 2007 at 19:08

I listened to part of the album today, but remembered what is was that I didn't care for. They lean toward the acid side of fusion and it's just a bit harsh for my taste, though they are talented.

Prog-jester View Drop Down

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Posted: May 19 2007 at 14:36

artguyken wrote:

So many bands that are unknown in the West.

shame, because some of them are outstanding

Yes, give KOSTAREV a few spins, they definetely deserve to be heard

artguyken

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Posted: May 19 2007 at 10:16

I'd forgotten that I have them on the shelf, but thanks to this thread, I'll have to give them a spin today. They really throw the listener a curve with that little opening of chamber music. This is a great thread, guys! So many bands that are unknown in the West.

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Posted: May 19 2007 at 09:56

^ thanks, Erik!

Now listening to KOSTAREV GROUP - they are really great, I'll come up with all info needed on the next week I guess

erik neuteboom View Drop Down

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Posted: May 16 2007 at 13:56

Prog-jester and all other visitors, congratulations, I am glad that the special threads about Italian prog, Russian prog and of course symphonic prog are visited so frequently and good luck with the additions

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Posted: May 16 2007 at 13:37

A new band on PA horizon...led by Russian prog-veteran Alexander Kostarev (plays Prog since 1978!!!), KOSTAREV GROUP plays high-class instrumental fusion both with symphonic and avant influences. Let the music speak - guys have their albums free to download via their site.

Live @ InProg (2003)

Works 78-06 (begins with Eddie Jobson's cover)

Oddly enough, they have no studio album yet

- only live album from Moscow InProg fest recorded in 2003 and a compilation of different miscellaneous records.
Recommended!!! Enjoy!

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Posted: May 16 2007 at 13:17

201st post in Russian Thread!!!

congrats

Back to business. Now you can get my feedback on new KARFAGEN and AVIVA albums

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 15:32

On my "to suggest" list is a pile of Post-Rock bands. Not everyone's cup of tea, but there are some REALLY nice ones.

Almost forgot - KOSTAREV GROUP, symphonic fusion, pretty interesting...I'll make a proposition with links soon

Another proposition - ESTHETIC EDUCATION. Not that much Porg, just an unconventional band for mainstream rock. Deeply inspired by DOORS and modern New Prog a-la DREDG, but not that dark

Here's a link on ESTHETICs LastFM page.There you can experience their best tracks - catchy "Beautiful" (the first I heard from them and immediately fell in love with a band), complex "War"(3-parts mini-epic), mainstreamy "Machine" (yes, kinda disco song, but enjoyable as hell

) and romantic "Love"

Edited by Prog-jester - May 15 2007 at 15:37

Rivertree

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 15:18

erik neuteboom wrote:

Apple Pie too much AOR, Rivertree? Give it a few more listening sessions and you will have a totally different opinion

That's exactly what I'm doing, Erik. Wink

I'm not treating it easy and it takes at least 5 or 6 rounds before I am rating. Embarrassed

You noticed my review? I gave faire 3 stars!
But as I posted before - I'll give it a new try ...

I agree - there's actually a lot of exciting stuff from Russia (and the neighbourhood)
and it makes me very curious what is following (Prog-Jester is suggesting?)

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 11:57

^ seconded

Besides I'm afraid the same goes to this poetry as a part of LT's music. Good on its own, but ridiculous in Prog - IMHO again

eugene

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 11:34

^^^Do you know that they sing Nikolay Gumilev genius poetry, which I love a lot as a poetry but absolutely can't stand this vocalist's performance

carefulwiththataxe

artguyken

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 11:05

Prog-jester wrote:

You bet, artguyken, this thread is extremely useful!!!

Yes, ERJs are quite impressing, but they also bear that easy-listening approach one can dislike (IMHO). I have no problem with it, and I look forward to other stuff from them.

Considering Lil' Tragedies - I wonder what new 2CD album shall bring...they haven't released it yet, as far as I know, but I hope it will be not worse than others

And wish they'd only sing less!

...

Agreed. To be honest, I wish most bands would play more and sing less. Too many times the words get in the way. I can only understand about 5-10% of what's being sung by LT, so I have no problem with lyrics getting in the way of my musical enjoyment. Some people only want to hear singing they can understand. I find that singing in another language moves the voice into the realm of musical instrument, away from communicator of ideology or philosophy. All depending, that can be a good thing!

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 10:53

You bet, artguyken, this thread is extremely useful!!!

...

artguyken

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 09:06

Thanks, Eric, for the Little Tragedies reviews!

artguyken

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 08:10

Prog-jester wrote:

Thanks Ansen

BTW, right now I'm listening to Ukrainian Symphonic/Fusion instrumental band ER.J.ORCHESTRA(http://www.erjorchestra.kiev.ua/eng/).AWESOME!!! Download their stuff from MUSIC page, you won't regret!!! Imagine CLEARLIGHT mixed with CRIMSON and ANGLAGARD!!!

Hey EVERYBODY what are you waiting for? Download it too!!!It's legal and free!!!Great(despite the low quality)!

Wow! I'm glad I went back and was re-reading this thread! There's some gorgeous music here by Er J Orchestra. The problem with a board like this is the cost factor! LOL! There's always some new music to buy, although for now I'll just enjoy the download. Thanks PJ!

From what I've heard so far (listening for the first time as I type), Er J Orchestra sounds much like Pat Metheny's orchestral outings, particularly Secret Story. If you like PM's SS, I recommend you check out Er J Orchestra. and vice versa.

Edited by artguyken - May 15 2007 at 09:10

erik neuteboom View Drop Down

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Posted: May 15 2007 at 08:09

Well Artguyken, here are my reviews:

LITTLE TRAGEDIES — New Faust

Review by erik neuteboom (erik neuteboom)
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Symphonic Prog Expert

4%20stars One of my favorite albums of the last years is Return by the Russion formation Little Tragedies. So I was very excited to hear that they had just released a 2-CD, after a first listening session I can only conclude that Little Tragedies is a new progrock sensation! The focus is on the bombastic keyboard play, this man is obviously inspired by Keith Emerson featuring flashy synthesizer runs and swirling Hammond organ but he also delivers some delicate harpsichord play in more mellow parts. The interplay with the powerful, harder- edged guitar work is very exciting, it often sounds like a blend of ELP and Ayreon because of the heavy, propulsive guitar riffs and fiery, flowing guitar soli. The Russion vocals give an extra dimension to the music, it often reminds me of Hungarian progrock band Omega. Despite the two CD’s and the long running time of some tracks (even at about 30 minutes), Little Tragedies never bores, I am sure that many progheads who love ELP, the keyboard driven Japanese prog like Gerard and Ayreon will be delighted about this outstanding, very exciting Russian formation! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

LITTLE TRAGEDIES — The Sixth Sense

Review by erik neuteboom (erik neuteboom)
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Symphonic Prog Expert

4%20stars I was still in a sheer euphoric mood about their previous effort entitled New Faust when I received this new album by Russian symphonic progrock sensation Little Tragedies. After a first listening session, I concuded that the obvious ELP and Gerard hints are less and there is also more variation and originality. In fact Little Tragedies has developped into a progrock band that can compete with the current top bands like The Flower Kings, The Tangent and IQ, their only problem is that the vocals are Russian, not really accessible.

The first song The Sixth Sense is loaded with bombastic keyboards (especially Hammond organ and fat synthesizer flights) and heavy guitar riffs, it sounds like “ELP meets Ayreon” but the warm and distinctive Russian vocals give an extra dimension. The next track Bird is a kind of musical Pandora’s Box: first a Floydian atmosphere with dreamy saxophone and fragile slide-guitar, then an accellaration featuring sparkling piano, propulsive guitar riffs and great interplay. This is followed by sensitive electric guitar work and an organ solo, then suddenly a spectucalar break with sensational synthesizer sounds and heavy metal-guitar riffs, impressive!The other ten songs sound melodic, very tasteful, elaborate and especially varied, from dreamy with sensitive piano/warm vocals and compelling with Latimer-inspired guitar to fluent with fiery guitar/saxophone and sumptuous with lush keyboards. The interplay between the harpsichord and howling guitar in some songs sounds very delicate. My highlight on this CD is the track You And I: first sparkling piano, sensitive guitar and warm vocals, then a wonderful classical piano piece and finally a great build-up with bombastic Hammond organ and flashy synthesizers, accompanied by a dynamic rhytm-section, breathtaking! My conclusion: Little Tragedies has made a great album, very varied and loaded with good musical ideas and excellent soli on several instruments. Just check their MP3 files or try to get their CD’s, highly recommended!