EXOTIC CREATURES AND A STOLEN DREAM

'Exotic Creatures and a Stolen Dream' is the first Sunchild album since 'Messages from Afar: the Division and Illusion of Time' in 2018 which was the first of Antony's projects I ever pre-ordered. Antony has mentioned that this new album took him four years to make. We have been lucky that other many releases from his solo and Karfagen projects have come out in the interim. From the start, I think this album shines and shines and shines. The production is clean and crisp, every instrument and note can be clearly heard. Igor Sokolskiy provides another rich and fantastic challenging piece of art for the cover.

The album consists of two epic songs, 'Life Lines' (26.26) and 'Northern Skies' (14.14) followed by shorter excerpts containing Single editions. The lyrics written by Will Mackie and Antony Kalugin have the ability to be interpreted by the listener in whatever meaning they perceive. I myself find the meaning of freedom prevalent. The freedom of action, the freedom of choice and the freedom of thought. The lyrics also seems to be a continuation from the Karfagen album 'Land of Green and Gold'. 'Life Lines' begins with cinematic and symphonic keyboards followed by the full impact of the band including lightning electric guitars, thunderous drumming and full throttle keyboards. The singing starts at about the 2.30 minute mark with the first theme. The singing reminds me of the same tone as the 'Seven Gates' song from the Karfagen album '7'. This has interludes of wonderful instrumentation of impressive keyboards, layers of synthesiser and classical piano. As with epic songs, there are waves of ebbs and flows with portions of elegant calmness, exquisite acoustic guitar, deep drums and bass lines along with the flows of driving Hammond like organs and soaring electric guitars. A welcome staccato guitar comes in amongst further singing and bombastic drums and I must give credit to the nylon guitar playing of Alexandr Pavlov. Beautiful undertones of electric guitar and accordion succeed with the classy use of saxophone with three minutes to go leading into the climactic finish.

'Northern Skies' starts straight away with Antony's calming vocals and piano. Glorious orchestral moments pervade and phenomenal background vocals by both Maria Panasenko and Olga Rostovska with strength and grace. There's a heavy softness to this song that I love. A lovely paradox that enhances the musical experience.

Antony's many layers of varying keyboards delivers not only a strong foundation but also announces his flare of improvisation and genius musicianship. The other band members have to reciprocate at this highest of levels to complete the successful recording of this album. Of which they do achieve.

This may not only be the best of all the Sunchild albums but maybe the best of all of Antony's other projects. This really is a stunning. It is melodious, flowing effortlessly with waves of all colours and tones to the ear. The whole album is a positive light that transcends.