UTOPIA PERFECTION

Yet another band, which wanted to add its fresh ideas into the mix of modern bands.Discordia hail from Helsinki, Finland and were found in 2001 with influences coming from the music of Gentle Giant, Porcupine Tree, Rush, Marillion and other Prog/Rock monsters.They introduced themselves in 2005 with the 3-track EP ''On a thin rope'' and two years later their full-length debut ''Utopia perfection'' sees the light as a self-released album.The line-up at the time was Riikka Hanninen on vocals/tin whistle, Tero Vaananen on vocals/bass clarinet, Liisa Lipas on keyboards/santur/violin, Antti Tolkki on guitar, Petri Sallinen on bass and Otto Makela on drums.

The union of the past and contemporary Prog sounds are displayed in this album, which mixes the power of heavy, electric guitars and the clean, modern productions with the old-school organ showering and the unique complexity of GENTLE GIANT and RUSH.Their sound seems to rely much on long and dynamic rhythmic patterns and the constant presence of male/female voices with the organ and the electric guitar explosions being the dominant instruments.Their approach is similar to Swedish group A.C.T., although there are no particular Queen or Dream Theater influences in here, but there are plenty of close crossroads: The theatrical mono- and multi-vocal parts, the tendency towards energetic, guitar-led runs, the discreet use of strings and the evident influences from 70's Prog.On the other hand Discordia lack the superb breaks and twists of their Swedish neighbours plus there are no Neo-Classical or symphonic themes to be found.Discordia run more towards Heavy Rock with lots of theatrical and some operatic elements thrown in and occasional blinks to complicated themes and the Retro Prog stylings.No standouts, the tracks are all nice, passionate and well-executed with the female voices being the absolute highlight and the tapping grooves leading the way.

Prog/Art Rock with a heavier edge and some Pop sensibilities.Played with energy and offered in11 short tracks with a bombastic sound.A cool and definitely recommended album.