GARDEN ELECTRIC

Jupiter Fungus, the Greek band, made an outstanding debut with Garden Electric . An unknown band until 2024?at least outside of Greece, but formed by musicians of substance and experience. It is actually a duo consisting of Ares Papatriantafillou (vocals, keyboards, guitar) and Fotis Xenikoudakis (flute, tin whistle), joined by George Papageorgiou (bass, acoustic guitar, glockenspiel), George Emmanuel (electric guitar), and Nick Vell (drums).

Jupiter Fungus sounds like everything we've ever heard from the purest prog rock?reminiscent of early Focus, Camel, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull, but also Van der Graaf Generator and countless '70s bands that we love so much. However, they also bring their own local touch, reminiscent of Aphrodite's Child. Their members originally played in the stoner band Father Sun, adding another layer to their background.

The album is full of dynamic shifts, extended instrumental passages, and a blend of acoustic and electric textures. The flute, played by Fotis Xenikoudakis, is one of the defining elements, giving a very pastoral, early Jethro Tull feel. But they don't just rehash old sounds?there's a subtle modern touch, especially in the way the keyboards and synths are used. The production is organic, almost like a live session, which works in favor of the vintage atmosphere.

The album opens with "Underdog" setting the mood with atmospheric keys and a slow, evolving structure. It has a bit of a Floydian feel in the beginning but builds into something more complex, with swirling organ and flute interplay. The guitar solo near the end is a highlight, with an expressive, almost Gilmour-like touch. "Circles" is the longest track on the album, split into four parts. It's a true exploration of progressive rock's capabilities, starting with a calm, almost hypnotic feel, driven by soft, repetitive piano lines and light percussion. The pace gradually picks up as the track moves into more intricate territory, with constant shifts in time signatures and a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. "Past Ground," The third track introduces a slightly darker tone compared to the previous songs. The opening is moody, with a slow, brooding bassline setting the mood. The keyboards take on a more atmospheric role here, providing a rich texture that complements the heavier, more deliberate pacing. The percussion is particularly notable, creating a sense of tension as it gradually builds. And finally my favorite track "Thoughts of Revenge", is an epic in its own right, with the band pulling out all the stops for a grand finale. It opens with a steady, reminiscent of early Camel , building instrumental section, of classic prog rock, where layers of keyboards and guitars weave together seamlessly. The lyrics (if you follow them) explore themes of regret and reflection, adding a personal depth to the piece. The midsection features some of the album's most intricate playing, with shifting time signatures and tight, complex rhythms. The flute takes on a more whimsical role, adding a sense of contrast to the heavier sections. The final minutes of "Thoughts of Revenge" are pure prog grandeur a , with a massive instrumental build that leads into a powerful, cathartic conclusion. It's a fitting way to close the album, with all the elements of Jupiter Fungus' sound on full display.

Garden Electric is a fantastic debut that will appeal to fans of classic prog rock as well as those looking for a more modern take on the genre. Jupiter Fungus proves that they have the musical chops and vision to craft expansive, intricate compositions that captivate from start to finish. Beyond their influences Jupiter Fungus it is a very original and unique band and the key it's on the taste and how you mix those elements.

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