MIXTUS ORBIS

Very interesting! With some little similarities with Clearlight this second Clivage album is an awsome musical experience. Starting with Mixtus Orbis and their impressive six movements, an impressive wall of music which begins with a floating piano/violin intro that slowly turns into a massive confluence of wind and chord instruments leaded by a catchy piano section. Sometimes, the music turns into a chaotic but amazing instrumental trip but keeping harmony and melody and of course, with some great ethnic and almost jazzy sections. 4th, 5th and 6th movements are a fantastic orgy of sound, some jazzy piano and oboe solos with some vocal interventions by Briggitte Toulson.

Eudjal is a kind of intermezzo driven by ethnic percussions, flute and chords. Fatoum Astris is another awsome song formed by three parts: A ethic/classical intro driven by flute and acoustic guitar with a spacy keyboard as background. Second Part is a little bit more faster and violin definetively takes the lead, turning the song into a brilliant piece with middle-Asia musical inffluences. Really beautiful!. Third Part add flute and a good bass solo to this combination and gives more importance to the percussions.

At last, Youssoufia, a cathartic songs which mixes oriental bases with an awsome oboe solo and some mysterious vocals. A great track to end this album. I'm sure that bands like Dead Can Dance heard this album (and specially this song) to make some of their music.

It's very sad to know that the album just has 31 minutes long cos is so beautiful that you really need listen more and more. Really great and withour a doubt, necessary in any prog music collection. Highly recommended!

4.5*