TRANS​-​NEPTUNIAN OBJECTS

Four major elements caught my instant attention with this sophomore offering, having been recently contacted by Andrea Grumelli, the fretless bass player in this excellent band. Firstly, I have a hard time saying no to bass players, especially when they have been following my page for a while. Loyalty begets loyalty. Number two, a drop- dead gorgeous green cover that pleased my senses immediately. Thirdly, seeing an electric piano in the EPK will get my jazzy juices flowing pronto, as I am a sucker for this elegant instrument since time immemorial. And finally, the concept of an ambient jazz prog collective is always welcome in my little pebble of the cosmos. Ably assisted by guitarist Andrea Ferrari, a multi-dimensional player who straddles classic, jazz, rock, folk and psychedelic influences with apparent ease, Andrea Serino, the serenity of the Fender Rhodes, combined with various electronic keyboards, both giving the compositions a galactic depth that goes very much noticed. Matteo Ravelli the drummer, covers also a wide gamut of stylistic genres, being as comfortable playing percussive implements as the drum kit but intrigued enough by bringing into his repertoire, a wide electronic palette of moods that elevate the atmosphere to the loftiest heights. Very much a total team effort, with all four musicians in the same room (how refreshingly old school), playing, recording and improvising, as if in a live setting.

"Sidus ? Prelude" the wobbly bass and the Rhodes get things rolling in an interstellar jazz realm, dreamy soundscapes that will foreshadow the epic final track of this marvellous album. Setting the warp speed course for "Neptune", the arrangement interweaves leisurely keyboard patters with sizzling asteroid guitar orbits, as the rhythm section navigates a series of complicated vector alignments to suit the pace of the eventual explorations. Hints at the experimental side of King Crimson are apparent in the abstract yet controlled infusion of linear chords, the variable geometric calculations of the bass and drum manoeuvres. Both complex and yet accessible to the ear. The first single is up next, "Magrathea" unites all the sonic basics described in the prologue, a moody, brooding slice of ambient wonder, fascinatingly shown visually on the Youtube video one can look up. A heady mixture of post-rock shivers, ambient consultations and melodic purpose, with terrific, syncopated bliss that genuinely encompasses what this band is about. Often a perennial favorite planet, "Saturn" vehiculates the obvious electronic ring that makes the revolving giant so unique, Grumelli gets to loop in tightly bound circles while the band convulsing in ambient noise that defines the universe.

The mood veers into the experimental, more mathematically precise realms of jazz, as If early Weather Report appeared out of the blue as a constructive influence, the savage guitar evoking images of Wayne Shorter, while the Zawinul-like e -piano ruffles underneath completely undeterred, a real showcase of explorative atmosphere. Grumelli and Ravelli infuse all the polyrhythmic insanity possible, a challenging conversation with the distant stars, as well as a full-blown sonic adventure for the 'closed-eyed, sitting comfortably in the armchair with the earphones on the head' listener. "Ephemeris" is a standout moment here. Referring to our Mother Earth, "Pale Blue Dot"highlights the infinite minuteness of our existence as well as the miracle of life that inhabits only our consciousness, being to busy otherwise dealing with the overall meaningless routine of our survival. Space trekking into outright jazzier territories, the electric guitar takes us for a joyous romp on "Amalthea", discovering Jupiter's third natural satellite, as the aptly named Ferrari races along the tightly luminous tracings of Serino's jubilant e-piano meanderings.

Concluding on the promised grand finale, the nearly 13-minute-long seals the deal on this fine release, challenging the listener to consider the proposed music with a modicum of concentration, and thus being rewarded with a plethora of feel-good vibes. 'Sidus" shows little concern for impatience, carefully building up the tension with clever pace, injecting more than enough melody into an ambient space that expands majestically as the piano, bass and drums coalesce into one huge asteroid of music. When the tasty synthesizer solo joins in, it just serves to set up a stunning and gritty Ferrari rant that convinces once again of the band's innate talent and vision. Veering into a darker ambient feel, almost menacing at times with massive walls of electronic paneling that only seeks to emulate the vastness of the universe. Transitioning back to echoing e-piano musings, as if peace had finally arrived in a quieter space, a temporary lull in the arrangement, as the Crimsonian final section is worthy of the opportunity to set the final touches of appreciation that this recording has to offer. Surely a highlight epic for 2024.

An inspirational offering that deserves to be heard by all fans of progressive rock. See where it takes you, hopefully smiling along the way. 4.5 intergalactic things