TALES OF POWER

When trekking through the various labyrinths and mazes that litter the progressive sub-genres scene, the weary musical traveller can easily get lost among all the different styles, even within a specific group, let alone the entire cosmic prog universe. Thousands of bands to choose from worldwide, many espousing their own experimental take on traditional music. As I have mentioned before, the tradition of haunting music from Celtic, British, Norse, Breton, Hungarian and Slavic sources have shaped classical and modern music since the dawn of time, often legendary (read: fairy) tales of love, courage and magic. Thanks to my admiration and adulation for British musician Colin Mold, whose albums have soothed many a sad night's pains, as well as always have an affinition for medieval- tinged folk music, I was tempted to explore Magicfolk, a loose group of merry musicians that Colin often plays with. The reward was 'Saltarello', a rather stunning release, which ended up #2 on my top 30 prog album list for 2015, not exactly a poor way for prog by any stretch, actually quite the contrary. A thoroughly exhilarating voyage into the folky marshlands, windswept torrential rains, opaque and dense rolling fog and the sweet smell of nature's virtue. Yes, bands like Norway's Shine Dion, British band Iona, Germany's Ougenweide, Italy's Gian Castello as well as Malicorne and Seven Reizh (France) are just some names of incredible prog-folk that begs to be adored.

The distinctively unique 'Call Time' with its tilted meter, barking dog, growly guitar riff and suddenly exploding chorus 'a beautiful day to say goodbye', a dash of guileless flute from Amber Curtis and Michelle Glover's distinctive voice, all in all a prefect wake up call. A lovely and breezy electric folk intro to more great stuff.

'Nagual' is where things get really serious, a nearly 7 minute romp that exudes passion that stretches to both extremes, sweet redolence on one end and raunchy rock guitar to finish off the unaware listener. The delicate flute weaves simplicity and beauty once again, daring one to 'never leave'. Michelle breathes passion into her sweet lament , telling another story to keep dreaming, cascades of mellotron come through the valley, bursting forth with unescapable abandon, as the sizzling 'eyes like a snake' guitars scorch along in its overtly bluesy tone, I thought it was Eddie van Halen for a sec, what a surprise! Thoroughly impressive.

Sounding like a bloody traditional tune where elves dance ,'The Faery Ring' is your typical British folk song, pastoral and colorful, a kaleidoscope of emotions expressed by both the lyrics, narration, the hushed voices and the intense instrumental display. Male and female voices duel for the spotlight, ever so convincingly, flute dabbling once again, as the story unfolds. Pastoral, medieval and ethereal music.

Piano takes over the stage with ornate delicacy and bravado, hints of romanticism and a slight bluesy feel, the arrangement evolves with voice and rhythm section gently pushing along a deliriously celestial chorus. 'Lion Tamer' hypnotizes and enthralls, Michelle in particular coming through with conviction. A strident guitar solo from lead soloist Lee Morant, who shines brightly throughout the disc.

Another lovely piece is 'the Desert Song', where the mystical female voice is hauntingly mysterious and vaporous, loaded with forlorn melancholia and simple structure where massive acoustic guitars, flute and gentle percussion shuffle that languorous voice along. The shrill guitar hits all the nerve endings, nothing too technical but heavy on emotion and buzz. Swooping orchestrations dominate and a certain feeling of arid escapism pervades the whole. Amazing!

'Into the Blue' is a shocker, harmonica bellowing a more countrified air, something American-sounding that the Brits do traditionally very well, a burping Matt Gamble bass , honky-tonk piano, and shuffling beat from drummer extraordinaire Geoff Charlton.

The crowning track is the amazing 'Dragonspell', another 7 minute affair that exudes all the essential ingredients that make Magicfolk, well, magic! , complex simplicity, instrumental elegance, classic folklore standards punched along by buzzing rock guitar duel, another barrage of succulent solos, full of energy and pace, tortuous and audacious. An acoustic mid-section quietens down the mood, gently windswept and pensive, giving Michelle her chance to shine. A masterful piece of prog-folk, this is.

'Wiccan's Dance' suggests a wider variety of assorted instruments, such as sax, accordion and violin and featuring Colin Mold on smoking lead guitar, a nice little jam fest where everyone gets to burn down the barn door and have a jolly good time! Jazz, rock and folk blowout that is just plain fun.

The tempestuous 'Death & the Maiden' is a shorter rocker, almost gothic in inspiration, very haunting and driven, guitars abuzz with little restraint, until a docile flute calms things down albeit only briefly as the storm then rages on once more. Axemen Stephen Scott and Lee Morant carve hard, slashing furiously.

Inspired by a poem 'the Last Oracle', the swirling symphonism of 'Winged Bull' is glaringly attractive and keyboard 'laden, narration, harp all combining to elevate the arrangement, giving Colin the opportunity to shine on lead guitar with a positively spiraling solo spot. Guest violinist Dorothea Bergman also gives a dazzling performance, a real sensorial expression of devotion and passion. Definite highlight!

Finale comes in the form of the diminutive folk ditty 'Dweller', another chance for Colin to show off his violin skills, the flute also takes on the bulk of the melody before gently fading into the mist. A wave of hand and see you again.

There is little doubt that 'Tales of Power' show the building blocks of what would become their next album, the afore mentioned 'Saltarello', which at the price of repeating myself is a true prog-folk masterpiece. Variety, short and epic tracks, a truly nice mix. I would urge fans to hunt down Saltarello and if enchanted like I was, move on to purchase their back catalog.

4 stories of energy.