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Pye Fyte - The Gathering Of The Krums CD (album) cover

THE GATHERING OF THE KRUMS

Pye Fyte

 

Crossover Prog

3.73 | 30 ratings

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tszirmay
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars This is another unknown or at the very least, woefully underrated little ditty that furtively pockmark the prog landscape, an offering from New England that features some innovative textures that belie their New World origins. In fact, there is a heavy English undertow, with massive waves of mellotron as well as assorted other keyboards that flirt with the medieval progster-likes of Gryphon, Gentle Giant and the Morrigan but slashing it with a discernibly original taint. So who are these guys? Two, really. Leader John McNamara handles guitars, bass, mellotron, Moog and Hammond with wizardry and aplomb. Drummer Mark Cella keeps things sharp and percussive. They are aided by a few guests (Tim Kelly on passable vocals, Jim Ames on bass and Bruce Alger on soloing synths and organs). Tracks like the supreme "The Return" really have all the proggy goods, with stellar mood and spectral playing, a true treat that is a definite highpoint of this strange hard to peg disc. "Leaves" is equally bizarre, simple melodies swooned by a harsh guitar and romantic cascades of mellotron to give it even more British feel , sort of like a "heavy" Mike Oldfield in a way. The buccaneering organ swells on "The Party" are captivating, the strained vocals less so but the instrumental expertise is just so high quality. But best is saved for last, as the final two epics really blaze proudly in the night, crackling with broad strokes of superb craftsmanship on the 14 minute + "Fields" , such as the swirling synth web and the hulking mellotron passages and some spirited melodies expelled by both the voice and the synths. The soloing starts heating up seriously, infusing a strong cosmic-jam feel that is most delicious, the axe licks particularly intense. Lots of different mood swings on this menu , including some near-punk ranting, breezy fluff and synthesized bliss. "Depth of Time' is the fantastic closer, probably the most engaging track here, with great pacing and atmospheres. All in all, a valid testament to underproduced works that often have more courage and daring than some of those overpolished antiseptic ones. Veeeeery interesting...Keyboard zealots will have to kneel at this shrine for a sec . 3.5 crummy beers
tszirmay | 3/5 |

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