Syrinx - Qualia (France, 2008)

All four compositions are instrumental and it doesn’t get any better than the almost twenty minute opener Liber Nonacris. The band play brilliantly, Benjamin Croizy’s keyboards used much of the time (though he has his moments in the limelight) to provide sweeping backdrops for Samuel Maurin’s fluent, liquid bass playing and Philippe Maullet’s dynamic drumming. The lead is taken in the main by David Maurin’s busy acoustic guitar playing; yes no electric guitar here. He really is a fantastic player. The album alternates between sublime beauty and moments of musical tension and explosive power to make for an overall captivating sound. The production is excellent with lots of space in the mix, each player having ample opportunity to shine.

I haven’t discussed individual tracks as this is an album to listen and to take in as whole and some of the best instrumental music I have heard in years. The only question is whether it’s better than their 2003 debut, Reification. Buy them both and make up your own mind. Brilliant stuff, nothing less than 5 stars will do!