ZYPRESSEN

You would think that a band labeled avant-prog wouldn't be soft, warm and gentle to the touch, but Zypressen are just that. While still retaining certain outlandish qualities Zypressen's music sounds elegant, fine and graceful even in their angular moments. Whether you're listening to the dynamic and slightly sinister "Prelude" (they're too lighthearted and innocent to make a menacing song) or the delicate "HANA", every song is made with finesse and charm that Zypressen has mastered over the course of one album(!). Half of the songs present here have a strong sense of melody and harmony that many people would never think a group labeled as such would commonly have and that is probably the best quality Zypressen has. With these ear-friendly songs they smooth out the rough edges (which aren't all that rough to begin with) that the other more adventurous songs present in the album have. This well balanced mixed is critical to the enjoyment of this album and also gives it an interesting dynamic and some well needed balance while still sounding cohesive. While the melodic songs are made mostly with classical instruments like piano, clarinet, cello, violin and flute, the adventurous songs are mostly dominated by rock instruments, but the classical instruments also play a role in them.

The album comes off as one of the most accessible releases from a chamber rock or avant-prog band. The combination of beautiful classical tinged compositions with avant-garde ones is something that many fans will enjoy listening to. Newcomers to this kind of music will have an enjoyable first experience listening to Zypressen, they aren't too "weird" or "out there" for people getting into chamber rock. A great album with little flaws. Highly recommended for fans of chamber rock and newcomers alike.