EVE

Entering the millenium Richard Wileman and Karda Estra would built a long collaboration with the Cyclops label.Moreover in their next album a strengthened string section would be displayed with the addition of Helen Dearnley on violin.''Eve'' would be released in 2001, being a concept work, drawing inspiration from Villiers de L'Isle Adam's novel ''The future Eve'', written in 1886.

Karda Estra's sound would remain laid-back and extremely cinematic like Soundtrack Music, but this time it is definitely more focused, well-composed and bursting some sheer beauty, based on Classical instruments.''Eve'' is characterized by its intense atmospheres, ethereal soundscapes and calm flow, which is based on grandiose piano lines, string arrangements and wind instruments with little contribution from other instruments.Quite often these atmospheric pieces are showered with marvelous wordless female chants and the presence of smooth acoustic guitars.It kind of reminds me of THE ENID during their most Classical nature in abscence of rock instrumentation.Towards the end Wilemann appears to upgrade its style with the display of a church organ and percussions, but nonetheless the music is still led by the grandiose, orchestral arrangements and the acoustic breaks.Extremely atmospheric material, which can be listened on specific occasions.I still insist that this would be even better with the discreet use of electric instruments at moments.Even so, most of the tracks contain an inner power of their own, based on Wilemann's talent to create dreamy, cinematic textures.

For the first time I think that Karda Estra are following the right way.Not really suitable for die-hard Rock fans, but a serious listening for all lovers of cinematic music.Recommended.