MARSHMALLOW MOONDUST

With 2020 being a bad year for so many people because of COVID-19, the virus itself, and the lockdowns that followed, we all need something to remedy the hardships endured by so many. And here comes a new CD with music that is a real breath of fresh air!

This new solo album by Ukraine's Antony Kalugin is exactly what "the doctor ordered" as the music produced here is so refreshing! Antony normally plays keyboards for Karfagen and Sunchild, but here he is doing something on his own. He plays all the instruments and has drawn the perfect balance between them. As a keys player its only to be expected that the keys take centre stage, and they do. Some wonderful solos, melodies and counter melodies are on display here and its a sheer pleasure to allow yourself to be swept along by such cheerful playing showing how Antony enjoys his music. And the guitar playing is very good too! Antony has struck the perfect balance between guitars and keys, and his guitar work is impressive! Some great riffs and some cool effects too, especially what sounds like phasing effects. I always liked this sound and I'm not disappointed with what he has done here.

The album starts off rather slowly but do NOT let that deceive you because the pace soon picks up and then we're moving more up-tempo and the rocking begins! There are 2 tracks on the CD, both timed at 20:20 minutes long, no prizes for guessing why! Track 1 definitely keeps a good pace going, whereas Track 2 is slightly more laid back in nature. Track 1 has rockier guitars whereas Track 2 the guitars have some interesting background layers of music but still keeps a positive vibe to the overall feel of the album. Near the end there is some saxophone being played. Now I do not like sax music at all but here the sax is played beautifully and there are no loud squeaky sounds, just lovely melodies that complement the keys perfectly.

There is a list inside the cover that tells us exactly what instruments Antony used on this album. I like it when musicians do this because although I'm not a musician, I'm always curious as to what instruments are being used! He has an impressive list too! But although this is a solo album by a keys player, it doesn't sound like one. Instead it sounds like a BAND, and this really gives the music its epic feel that so many prog albums of the 70's used to have. But although it does have the typical sound and feel of the 70's, it has 21st century technology which enhances the music resulting in an album with great music, a real enthusiasm and cheerful feel to the music, and an excellent production. And the drumming isn't bad either!

So what would I say if someone asked me "Which of the 2 tracks do I like best?". I really can't decide as both are amazing in their own right, but if I HAD to choose or be thrown off a cliff, then I'd say Track 1 as its more rockier. Well I am a bit of a headbanger!

So, in final analysis, as 2020 has been a tragic year and its easy to ask - What good has come out of all that's happened? This Marshmallow Moondust album by Antony Kalugin is the best thing to come out of all this. But don't take my word for it; go buy this CD and let Antony take you on a musical journey that will cure you of any "lockdown blues". Keep up the good work Antony, as you're a credit to modern Prog!!