AS SMOKE IS DRIVEN AWAY

Compassionizer have returned with a conscious experiment in long form progressive rock with their As Smoke Is Driven Away EP. For the first time they have recorded a sidelong suite, one consisting of an esoteric and evocative soundscape defined by the band's brilliant clarinets and meant to symbolize the Mystery of the victory of good over evil. The track develops in surprising fashions, yet remains tightly cohesive in its course. I found the synths across the suite to also be particularly resonant, especially in the final minutes of the piece. As usual, Compassionizer as a whole have delivered excellent performances with this EP, as has their guest viola player Lyudmila Poletaeva. As Smoke Is Driven Away leaves me hungry for more from the band and excited for the possibilities as they begin to release longer songs.