JAGANNATH ORBIT

Between 2002 and 2016 the captivating Cuban formation Anima Mundi delivered five studio albums (their latest I M Myself is from 2016), and one live album entitled Live In Europe, from their 2011-2012 tour. This review is about their second album, six years after their acclaimed debut album entitled Septentrion (2002). I bought this CD after a splendid gig from Anima Mundi on a Dutch progrock festival in 2011. And I was not the only one, Anima Mundi made many friends since that first gig in The Netherlands, their blend of skills and emotion in their music appeals to many!

On Jagannath Orbit the sound is more in the 24-carat symphonic rock tradition than their debut CD. And there are a very pleasant and subtle contributions by guest musicians on clarinet, bassoon, bagpipes and digeridoo. The long and varied first compsoition We Are The Light (close to 18 minutes) turns out to be the way to Progheaven: first mellow with piano and soaring keyboards, then alternating between swinging, bombastic, dreamy and a mid-tempo featuring wonderful work on vintage keyboards (Hammond, Mellotron, Minimoog), wah-wah guitar, Yes-like bass and vocal harmonies and a breathtaking final part with sumptuous choir-mellotron and sensitive electric guitar, goose bumps. The other six compositions (two instrumentals) also deliver lots of excitement.

Like the strong guitar work (including biting wah-wah) in Toward The Adventure.

A majestic church-organ sound, moving guitar and beautiful Mellotron waves in There's A Place Not Faraway.

A spectaculair break with guitar and keyboards, again wonderful vintage keyboards and wah-wah guitar in the long and compelling instrumental Rhythm Of The Spheres.

And splendid Minimoog flights, choir-Mellotron and a Progheaven Grand Finale with fiery guitar and lush keyboards in the final track Sanctuary.

A big hand for this Cuban progrock formation, these guys have perfectly used the six years between their first and second album, highly recommended.