WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGINS

JANA DRAKA

Originally formed in 2014, only two original band members remain- vocalist/bassist Valerio Magli, and guitarist Danilo Pantusa.

This quintet is currently based in Rome, and if I correctly follow the development of the band, it was quite early in its current incarnation when "Where the Journey Begins" was recorded.

That may partly explain some of the strengths and weaknesses of this album.

Musicality

JANA DRAKA apparently began as an alternative rock outfit, and with the new members recently added, took a turn toward progressive rock.

To me, although on this site classified "crossover progressive rock", I'd call the album "Rock Progressivo Italiano (RPI), with its classical feel, expressive vocals, twists and turns, symphonic and cinematic textures, dark and perhaps occult themes, and use of keyboards throughout.

Members are Skilled Musicians

From vocals to keyboards to drums to guitars and bass, from composition to execution, I thought JANA DRAKA shows great promise, sophistication, a knack for sweeping melodic passages and moody, sometimes cinematic vocal meditations.

Simply put, they play well together, especially given the relative newness of this particular unit.

Several Problems

I'm betting this is a self-produced album, and although the overall sound is lush and sometimes touching, sometimes grand, especially the guitar seemed mixed too far back, Hammond organ too far in front, and vocals ranged from difficult to hear to robust and well-mixed.

Secondly, if there's a concept lurking herein, it's murky and difficult for me to decipher, although the format and approach practically beg to be conceptual- from the opening "Overture" to the closing "Notturno".

Perhaps things got lost in translation, and it may have been better advised to have vocals mainly in Italian. The english lyrics were at times idiosyncratic- they 'feel' important to the whole venture, yet are oddly stated- at least to this listener.

Finally, although there are seeded throughout the album gorgeous flights of majesty and splendor, and plenty of passionate vocals, it was weighted pretty heavily with introspective, tormented lyrics set over brooding piano chords.

I wanted more bombast and fireworks!

So in sum

Plenty of promise and considerable chops for this quintet. Still some work to do in refining the sound and cleaning up the conceptual basis of the work.

I rate this as three stars: good, but not essential.

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