RESONAXIS

If, and this is a big if, it's true that there is nothing new under the sun, then all that's left is creative experimentation with the ingredients and proportions thereof. And therein lie infinite possibilities, a humble few of which offer themselves up on this Australian debut. To wit, Scandinavian metal, sacred music, folk, rock, and Renaissance music are all bared without embarrassment..

Styles range from heavier rhythm guitar led pieces like "Pilgrim" and "Sleep", to dreamy hypnotic tunes like "Salve Regina" and "Ascension", to folksier more intimate encounters like my personal favourite, the incense laden "Indigo", and "Life's Contract". The unifying forces are the versatile and soaring vocals of Brooke Shelley, the grinding organ of David Drury, and the powerful melodies throughout. Shelley draws comparisons to ANNIE HASLAM especially on the lighter pieces and the closing "Videntes Stellum Magi". In a few moments she snuggles up with ENYA a little too close for comfort, but the moods are so much more dynamic here that it's almost unfair to even mention it. Both "Psalm" and "Travelling Gifts" tip the scales a bit too much towards somnolence, which would be remedied on the next release.

Devotion can take many forms. In the end, it's love that unites, and these artists fuse all the seemingly disparate influences with their passion. The resulting musical axis resonates precisely because it is so believable, so sure of itself, and so authentic, the very embodiment of the progressive spirit.