STRANGE BEHAVIOUR

I wanted to explore Karnataka for a while and after hearing a song on internet radio decided to take the plunge with this release instead of going through their three studio releases. And thank all that is good that I did! This is a rapturous live album with stellar production and wonderful musicianship throughout. Rachel Jones and Anne-Marie Helder make a strong twosome in the vocal department, with Jones doing most of the leads. Wonderful voices from both and the music greatly benefits from having two vocalists singing off each other.

As for the music, comparisons to Magenta would be apt as it is in that vein, but it is not quite as diverse as what I have heard from Magenta. Karnataka plays to their strengths, which is symphonic prog with mainly guitar, bass and drum driven songs with the keyboards mainly providing a lush backdrop, although several songs feature more keyboard driven melodies. They are listed here as prog folk, but that could be argued. Most all of the songs feature moving and diverse guitar solos from Paul Davies. If you are not big on guitar solos, this probably isn't for you. The rhythm section is top rate and makes a great back bone to these mid and up tempo songs.

The last song is listed as 24 minutes, but Out of Reach only comprises about half of that (and what a wonderful 12 minutes that is!) They introduce band members, then there is a short silence and they play two more songs in the remaining time. If you like Magenta and have a soft spot for female-led, beautiful, lush music, this would be a great addition for your collection. Since they don't really stray too much from formula and there is not a wide diversity in the songs, I can't give it five stars, but the beautiful music factor rates it at least a four.