MESSAGES FROM AFAR - THE DIVISION AND ILLUSION OF TIME

"Good old days and timeless friends to the song we unite..." This time Antony has released incredibly "warm" and positive album. And i do agree - the cover is stunning - something really different from the dark shades of the previous "Isolation" and "Synesthesia". While listening to the album, you have plenty picteresque landscapes to explore - it has 3 pages digi pack with 12 pages booklet, I like rabbit in the hat - it`s cool )) Album starts with uplifting and upbeat song - what a lovely backing vocals it has and Piano solo. Solid start of the album. "Grail and Time" - is a gentle mid tempo ballad with emotional and trully melodic chorus by Viktoriia (10 years ago she has appeared on the debut "the Gnomon" album and she sang so perfectly "Midnight Train"). Middle part of the track is really nice ... "...and obscured by the fog, the man still sales the frog! Now the price is dear!" it bring us back to the mood of the "As far as the eye can see" album. Also i like the fact that Antony refer to the "Alice in Wonderland" by mighty Lewis Carroll - patter in this track and old school almost "beatles"- like chorus in the next track explains to the listener why there`s the rabbit in the hat ), sorry, Volcano Rabbit! )) 3. 60 Degrees to the 70s - title says it all - first half is a first class art-jazz rock mixture that flows into the gentle ballad with gorgeous Mann`s moog solo. 4. Mystery Train - 5. dreams from a lonely town - 6. title track - this 3 tracks are the highlights for all who loves Pink Floyd - Momentary Lapse - Division Bells era... Melodic, atmospheric, even Antonys vocal and the way he delivers it, reminds me Gilmour`s tembre. What a cool symphonic climax in the middle of the "the Division and Illusion of Time" track - wellcome to the Magician`s Theater!! 7. Victory Voyager - to me is one of the best tracks on the album (it`s length - 20 mins) Always interesting, always melodic, great interplay between Max guitars and Antonys keys in the instrumental passages. Cool Floydian backs and Viktoriia`s vocalis. Gentle chorus in the first part of the track sang by Nikita, Viktoriias son, who`s only 21, so wellcome onboard! 8. Father - I think a lot of true art rock fans will find this track as another highlight on this album. beautiful melody, "warm" and "vintage" atmosphere. Again , so pleased with the arrangement and the way Kalugin delivers his musical material, seems like this "message" has reach us from the golden era of "prog rock". I like this voyage, like this "messages" and for sure, want to hear more. Solid album - music, production, artwork!