GROUNDSWELL

Last time I reviewed a MORAINE album was in 2011, when had tje pleasure to listen the challenging Manifest Density, a record that broke all my preconceptions, something unusual after more than 30 years of listening Progressive Rock and Jazz, but a few days ago I received Groundswell from my friend Leonardo "Moonjune" Pavkovic and found it as exciting as the debut, with the advantage of being more eclectic, combining the usual Jazz Fusion with Rock, folk and even a touch of classical influence sound provided by Alicia DeJoie with the violin.

There's no doubt in me that we are talking about a Jazz ensemble, but the diversity of sounds an influences makes the experience richer.

Again won't try to write a song by song review, because it would take me days, but will mention some of my favorite tracks, starting with the melodic Fountain of Euthanasia in which the band creates a delightful blend of Rock with typical stick and drums work. Captivating from start to end.

Gnashville also caught me from the start with a sound that I would describe as KING CRIMSON music played by MAHAHAVISHNU with some Avant touches. Not what I'm used to listen but also very enjoyable.

The distorted guitar riffs in Synecdoche simply left me speechless, but what really captured me is the diversity of layers created by the different instruments, really elaborate and so frantic that leaves no time to rest...And that's good.

Many people ask me why a Jazz album is featured in a Progressive Rock website, I would ask them to listen the fantastic The Okanogan Lobe, a track that has everything, from dramatic changes to impressive solos jumping from dramatic to soft and melodic sections, just what any Prog fan will ask even when in a different mood. A brilliant closer for an impressive album.

Even when I was tempted to rate Groundswell with 5 stars, will go with a solid four, because I'm a 100% sure that MORAINE will offer us even better releases.