MESSAGES FROM AFAR: SECOND NATURE

This is the third album in the "Messages from Afar" series by Antony Kalugin. The first under the Karfagen banner, "Messages from Afar: First Contact", the second under the Sunchild banner being "Messages from Afar: The Division and Illusion of Time". This contains three songs with the remaining six tracks as instrumentals. Again there is the fantastical images on the cover by artist and painter Igor Sokolskiy.

The album opens with the song 'Ride Your Dream'. A classical style of piano begins this song with Antony providing the vocals. The lyric, "Great the sun, great the sky, Feel the wind, golden fields of rhye" is reflecting the track from 'First Contact'.

'Fantasian' follows, an instrumental running at 7.25 minutes profiles Antony's keyboards mostly exposing his styles with a flourish here and there of guitar both acoustic and electric. It evokes a fantasy landscape that ends with an exciting rock climax.

'November Blue' is another instrumental piece that is a nice, relaxing slice of jazz fusion starring Yan Vedaman on saxophones.

'Bond of Love' is the second song that gave me the 'Wow' factor. It starts with the singing of Maria Panasenko in a sweet melody. Then in a sudden 90 degree left turn we get an unexpected heavy rock riff that blew me away. This gives way to an improvised section of guitar and keyboards that sails into a climax where guitarist Dmytro Ignatov uses his electric guitar in a mandolin like fashion reminiscent of Ritchie Blackmore at the end of the Deep Purple song 'Mistreated'. This kind of guitar gives me goosebumps and I am so glad to hear it here. This track finishes just as it started with Maria repeating the lyrics she sang at the beginning.

We get more guitar magic from guitarist Max Velychko on 'Agora by Night'. A light chill out track that highlights Max's deft and soft touch as required. A truly heartfelt piece of music.

'Daybreak' is another shorter section containing the tinkling of many notes played on piano transitioning into solo saxophone emphasising the rising of the sun and the start of a new day.

'Bright Little Star' is no doubt a love letter to the band Camel as it includes Camel's bass player Colin Bass offering his vocals to sing this third song. Essence of Camel come through from around the 'I Can See Your House From Here' and 'Nude' era albums. As a lover of Camel, this has a special meaning to me as well.

'Searching for Mr. Kite' is the longest track on the album at just over 11 minutes. Here we have classic Karfagen with the familiar mix of keyboards and guitar vying for the attention. In the end keyboard and guitar are supporting each other to bring another eloquent and satisfying composition. There is keyboard sounds reminiscent of the early Karfagen album 'Magicians Theater' which is wonderful to hear again. If anyone finds Mr. Kite, please let Antony know so he can write the sequel 'Found Mr. Kite'.

'Second Nature' is a short piano session closing off the end of the album maybe hinting at another chapter of 'Messages from Afar'? So another masterpiece from Antony Kalugin. He again has found a wonderful guitar player Dmytro who was introduced on their 'Message of Peace' tour - such an expressive player. A worthy prog. rock purchase I also urge anyone to buy the CD as it contains bonus tracks featuring Dmytro showcasing his talent.