CERIMÒNIES

Though I confess to being ever the fanatic about old school prog, I must also bear witness to the fact that there are so many elaborate, thoroughly brilliant, contemporary bands out there. I do find, whenever I stumble across modern day progressive rock, that I am (for the most part) extremely taken and impressed by what I hear. Those finds are pure bliss. The flag of prog is flying high and that is so reassuring.

Lubianka is a spanish band, which was totally unknown to me up til a week ago. The cover caught my eye and I do find that a great cover is one of those things that makes the musical package so complete. Simple yet striking cover. The genre of Lubianka is space rock, a term that is ever so amazing. They are credited, on this site, as being psychedelic aswell.

The music is actually quite eclectic, I find. 'Fins que el sol es torni fum' is a track reminiscent of 'Dark side of the moon'-Floyd, much due to the soaring female vocals. Well, there aren't really vocals in the sense of meaning expressed by words. It's wordless chanting or wailing. Anyway, the point being the track is outstanding and sets a tone for the album which is great. It is spacious, welcoming, intriguing and lovely in every sense.

My favorite track is 'Ouroboros'. It's built like the universe. Spacious, grand and thrilling. I hear echoes of Atila's album 'Reviure', which to me is wonderful. It holds a heavier section that only accentuates the talents of this band and album.

To me everything about this album speaks of greatness. There is sure enough a lot of spacey rhythms here but also heavier thumps of music, aswell as psychedelic spices. The overall impression is really one of balance between the parts, building up a whole that is both appealing, challenging and in the end very rewarding. I will certainly follow the path of Lubianka and with pleasure examine whatever they conjure up. If you're into jams, spaced sounds and innovative use of talent, I do think this album is for you. Four stars easily.