VISION

Phoenix Rises Again...Again!

That is, the mythical immortal bird that cyclically is reborn, lives again; so, Phoenix rises again...again. And this is a tribute to the Lorandi clan, a number of whom contribute to this remarkable album, some of whom were part of the original Phoenix, and especially Claudio Lorandi, now gone, but never forgotten.

"Vision" is the fourth studio album released by Italy's PHOENIX AGAIN- the band that arose from the ashes of the early '80's PHOENIX, with the tragic death of Claudio as a catalyst to rise...again. When their first album "ThreeFour" was released in 2011, some thought that might be the end of the line.

But NO!

I said, "remarkable". And although to these ears much of the neo-progressive music I've heard seems a bit dialed back and lacking inner fire, in "Vision" PHOENIX AGAIN clears up the fog and gauzy edges. From the growling Hammond organ in the opening "Ouverture", to the gentle nightmarish chaos of closing "Threefour" (intriguing reference to their 2011 album, eh?), PHOENIX AGAIN offers a rich tapestry of lavish keyboard work, tasteful acoustic 6 and 12-string, clean and gritty electric guitar playing, solemn bass guitar, and for me the star of this outfit- the stellar, tasteful, colorful drumming throughout.

The lengthiest track, "Moments of Life" has dark, heavy guitar, a growing chaotic synth line, organ, electric piano, shifting into nifty jazzy lines with dreamy guitar overhead, with many examples of that tasty, propulsive drumming. In fact, one of the defining qualities for me is the inner propulsive, fiery aspect of the works of PHOENIX AGAIN, in "Vision", even when things slow and become moody, or sweet, and ever-present melodicism abounds.

King Crimson

Do I have your attention now? At least for me, "Triptych"- and elsewhere- gave me KC-vibes- the spare fury, odd but compelling guitar/bass lines sometimes coupled with synth, some off-kilter acoustic guitar accents, and some cool guitar/bass/drum riffs, leading to syncopated rhythms from the gutsy guitar.

"Air" brings in acoustic 12-String guitar chiming, with just the hint of hi-hat percussion, then the guitar/bass lines ring out, and intensifies , only to subside with sweet, melodic guitar and piano melodic lines. There are lush ascending lines, then darker textures leading to grand piano with bold arpeggios. Somehow free-form playing and chaos threaten throughout the album- the "vision" apparently includes the reality of intrusions into the gorgeous textures and joys of living.

"Psycho" reinforces the 'craziness' by opening with brash synth lines that race and tumble, and a deep, grumbling synth, developing and intensifying. Spooky mellotron textures enter- and somehow glockenspiel adds to the mix.

So, Considerable Width and Depth

...in this "Vision". There are so many highlights. For me, "Propusione" is the standout track among standout tracks. I love the choral depth- more Lorandi's participate- and the presence of brass instruments brings some cinematic grandeur. Here again, drumming really stands out. What strikes me is the humility of the drumming, not seeking the limelight, but playing so well to the music, to enhance, to accentuate, to lend depth and texture.

My Conclusion

Grand. Melodic. Playful. Chaotic. Reflective. So many fine elements in this instrumental gem. I rate this one a solid 4 stars, and excellent addition to any progressive rock collection- and one you may find yourself returning to again...and again!

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