TOUCH THE MYSTERY

It was interesting and unexpected to find such an authentic album coming from Eastern Europe. I don't depreciate progressive rock from that part of the world in any way, but it is really striking to hear, how former USSR country representative absorbed Western music and gave it it's vision. I love how diverse this album is. You can follow the style and musical "habits" of the author, but, at the same time, each piece is something new. It shows especially with the help of "Meditations", which, represented in two versions, not only vary in languages and arrangements, but also has different moods and feels to it (with Russian version being more acoustic and, as a result, more pure and young, full of clear hopes and tender dreams. At the same time, more drive and " hard" emotions are given through the English, re-analysed, meditating process, with the composer going deeper in his thoughts and bringing some darker and more mature results from the depth of the soul). The title piece, "Touch the mystery", is well-composed and arranged. It might sound primitive, but I love the bold decision to use that many musical instruments - the richness of the sound is amazing. And it really takes you more than once to hear all of the parts each instrument has, which is great, because you tend to discover more with every " Touch". I also love the voice, which, though, in the above-mentioned Russian "Meditations" was more light and flexible and now has more mature and deep feel to it, but still is well-presented in both cases. My favorite piece from this album would be "Swamp". First of all, it is impressive that this was played live. Secondly, the strings here are amazing. Big heads up to the drama and sorrow they give. Honestly, I am trying to keep myself away from thinking about the actual swamp while listening to this piece, even though I think there can be more philosophical explanation of the name, with " swamp" being a symbol of the unfortunate events and happenings in composer's life. But I will probably keep these thoughts to myself and to Vladimir himself. As a final resume, I can do nothing but hope that we can expect more albums from "Modern Rock Ensemble" in future and that the project will give life to more interesting and fascinating music in the nearest future.