REBIRTH

I found 'Rebirth' on my initial listen a breath of fresh air. It is a change from Antony's previous releases. It is an easier listen that is instantly enjoyable. The album itself is in essence a rebirth of sorts. This is not so much a progressive album. It is stripped of the layers, it loses the complexity and I would describe it as more an instrumental album where the listener can chill out.

The first track, 'Rebirth' introduces us to this new change. It jumps straight in and you get the vibe straight away where this music is heading. It would not be a Antony Kalugin album if there wasn't a track that included Space. Hence that is what we have with the second track, 'Planets' which opens with this percussion that reminds me of composer Gustav Holst's 'Mars'. Of course we get that empty feeling that there is a sea of space in between our planets. 'Days of Joy' is a sprightly piece, the name says it all. 'White Castle' is a true joy. A medieval theme, maybe something you would hear from Steve Howe or Rick Wakeman. 'Solstice' is an uplifting tune that reminds me of a festival, a tune for celebration. 'Night Visions' gives you that feeling of overlooking a city at night watching all the lights, the busy nightlife flourishing. 'Skylines' is a happy tune with a hint of medieval through the wonderful acoustic guitar of Max Velychko. 'Broken Promises' is to me probably the most prog track on this album. It has slight hints of Pink Floyd. Please note, 'slight'. This has a nice moody atmosphere where I am a little reminded of 'Echoes'. A truly chill out tune that builds to a nice crescendo. 'Nights of Wonder' could be a second chapter to 'Night Visions'. Maybe it is a reminder of those magical nights with friends that live with you forever. 'Coming Home', the final track I hope would be the anthem for all the displaced victims from Ukraine for when they finally come home to their country in peace and prosperity. This track has a feeling of triumph and overcoming adversity.

As with every album of Antony's, each has it's own themes and character whether it is Karfagen, Sunchild or his own solo works. If I was to describe this album in one word, I would choose 'Effervescent'. Considering the horrific events that Antony and his family have had to endure, this album is a surprise because after such, you would think a darker mood of an album would occur. However that is not the case here. Antony I think has such a positive spirit, he is above the darkness that has enveloped his country.