THE OTHER LIFE

With 'The Other Life' ARGUS from Germany are offering an enchanting new Canterbury tinged production in 2021. A few years ago I've paid a lot of attention to their first two albums, but lost track to this band a bit after that. Anyway, at first let me emphasize that they still are able to hold the level high after more than 10 years. Enrico Florczak is missing in the line up now, for what reason ever. But with Ákos Bogáti-Bokor they actually are having another multi-instrumentalist aboard as a valuable substitute. ARGOS are delivering a more gentle atmosphere in general. Technically seen there's nothing to be desired. The compositions are well thought out. You will immediately recognize, here we have an experienced combo in action. It sounds rounded definitely, rough edges are not really intended it seems. Hereby the varied use of guitars and keyboards is mandatory.

And it's nice to notice Marek Arnold participating, due to some saxophone contributions on this occasion. Finally the vocals are offering a proper service again. Provided by Thomas Klarmann and Robert Gozon their charming singing voices are including nuances of Richard Sinclair and Peter Hammill, unsurprisingly, nearly as expected. Almost forbidden, but I would like to note two tracks especially anyhow. The Shall See Hotel definitely rocks the party, very nice guitar solos included. And I love the touching semi-acoustic ballad The Library Of The Future which closes the album. This production is intensively inspired by the likes of Caravan again. Sound-wise other references might also be bands such as I Am The Manic Whale or Needlepoint in some way. A very solid album, deserving four out of five stars in the end.