PSALM 6

Last year I got a message here on PA asking for a review for this EP. I had some problems with my internet and it took several months before I could listen to this Roz Vitalis release. I must say I was not eager to do it, since RIO/avant guard is not really my cup of tea. I´m much more into melodic "traditional" part of prog, if there is such thing. But, out of curiosity, I decided to listen to this record since they were so nice to ask. And I was quite surprised. Their music was not what I expected. It was much more accessible than I thought. Sure enough, there are numerous weird landscapes and dissonance, but what really caught my attention was their flair for the nice melody too. So I decided to spin it for a few more times and that confirmed my first impression.

The only band I can think of to compare Roz Vitalis approach towards music is King Crimson. Ok, they do not sound like KC al all, but RV is the only band I know that balances RIO/Avant Guard with melodic themes in such powerful manner. Like KC, Roz Vitalis mix in equal doses weirdness and familiarity, complicated passages with simple ones, the dissonance and the melody. The result is one of the most interesting instrumental albums I have heard in a long time, full of surprises. Sometimes Psalm 6 sound like a soundtrack album from a thriller movie (The Prophet), in others there are jazzy brass passages followed by a wailing, melodic lead solo backed by acoustic guitars (the title track).And all is very well performed. I must say that even in their most freakish and non-melodic moments their music still sounds interesting and genuinely creative, they seem to be adept of the philosophy of "less is more". not an exercise on pointless weirdness, like I heard so many times. The excellent production also help matters much. the songwriting is high point in here, as well as their clever arrangements: All tracks are very good and varied. Listening to this CD is quite a ride.

In the end I was captivated by this group led by keyboardist Ivan Rozmainsky. I found Psalm 6 to be a very fine CD and I´m looking forward to listen to their other works too. Russia is definitely delivering some of the best prog music around nowadays. If you, like me, is not really into Avant Guard music but has an open mind for new sounds, you should try this one. On the other hand, if you are a RIO fan but does not mind for some nice, discernible melodies in prog music once in a while, this record is recommended too.

A nice surprise.

Rating: 4 strong stars.