ROEDELIUS & CHAPLIN: KING OF HEARTS

It is more than clear that ROEDELIUS's music has evolved outside the "prog/electronic" music circuit he co-founded, some time ago. (Among many others of course). It has been a while since his explorations in music composition, lead to wider scopes that outrun specific taggins or labels.

In a few words, it has been a while since HANS JOACHIM ROEDELIUS, found his own, self aquired musical language. From then on, his works are hard to single tag.

"King of Hearts" is close to the so loved, here in PA, "contemporary classical music" canons (which are not neccessarily symphonic, although this work is full of them). And understanding, also of course, that classical music has been using "electronic gadgets" since 1922 (more or less).

A very intimate and expanding trip into the world of evocative and intriguing electro/acoustics. Hypnotic and haunting piano melodies, surrounded by imperceptible electronic atmospheres, that are enhanced by the whispers of an almost invisible flute or "robotic" voice offs, or a fiddle or harp or vibraphone, or a "dirty" electric guitar. or bass, leading their way here and there, adding touches of substance and beauty. Daring instrumental, almost symphonical pieces and arrangements, which close the gap between contemporary classical and experimental electronic music composition writing. Threaded by a mysterious environment, that makes the work itself so intimate, eerie and yet inviting.

As the rating goes: For Prog/audiophiles that "welcome" different pictures in their prog-ears. And of course for anyone who KNOWS, this musician's relevance to Prog as such.

****4.5 PA stars.