MAGICKFOLK

Magicfolk's 2007 debut shows a mature band that after years of honing their craft in live settings , have decided quite judiciously to immortalize their work on plastic. Formed in 2003 by Michelle and Ben Glover, the band has a rather electric vision of the prog-folk tradition, infusing their acoustic-based storytelling with some energetic guitar motifs that add energy and spice. The list of songs vary in length from 8.21 to 2.35, a nicely sprinkled variety throughout. What makes them different from other traditional folk bands is their very progressive tendency to go beyond local lore and tackle more universal themes, both historically and geographically with themes such as 'Sheba', 'Persephone' ,'Heliopolis', 'Egypt', 'Narcissus' and 'Sea Priestess'. The sweeter shorter sections are closer to old-style folk pieces than the more elaborate and developed arrangements that give the progressive stamp a raison d''tre.

Led by Michelle Glover's suggestive voice, the songs evoke immediate passions marshaled by spirited acoustic guitar accompaniment, dashes of bucolic flute, and a light rhythm section of bass and drums. Unexpected thunder clasps of electric guitar soloing only adds to the thrill. On a mystical track like the adventurous 'Sheba', various desert aromas come to the fore, laden with sun-drenched voices, glassy percussion and languid guitar sizzles to create an oasis of feverish passion. A tremendous piece of music, unfurled by Michelle's belly-dancing voice. 'Persephone' is the venerable Greek goddess of the underworld, Zeus' daughter and a wonderful inspiration for a short but emotional tune that combines all the Magicfolk suspects, the rampant flute, buzzing guitar and suave rhythmic pulse. Ethereal treat this is.

On a song like 'Aibo', the band is not afraid to show their futuristic colours as well, describing that android dog (AIBO stands for Artificial Intelligence Robot) developed by Sony corporation as a mechanical pet. Highly exploratory and creative, to say the least.

Stretching out nearly 7 minutes, 'Heliopolis' is definitely one of the proggiest tracks here, a slick platform for some eccentric soloing, guitar and synths in particular asked to task, taking the listener again back to the desert of Egypt. A musical and geographical relative of the 'Sheba' track, the complex simplicity is in the rather brilliant use of voice tones to great a sense of magnificence and timelessness. A latter track, 'Egypt' will complete the trilogy in fine fashion, another escape into the bleak but resourceful Saharan universe.

A brief mention of the succulent beauty of 'Angel' a fabulous little piece with incredible vocals and a delectable theme. Also 'Furies' seeks to reconnect the Greek underworld theme with screeching mythological spasms, adding a blitzing electric guitar solo to the Hellenic feel.

On a track like 'Narcissus', the inclusion of saxophone really gives the subsequent guitar solo a partner in pleasure, another Greek mythology anecdote that is utterly satisfying. Modernity reappears in 'Diving Bell', a modern search for ancient treasures, seeking to better understand the past, featuring a languorous piano that evokes the calm waters needed for safe plunging into the depths.

The grand finale and the longest piece her clocking in over 8 minutes is 'Sea Priestess', thus truly showing off all the ingredients that make this band tick, the sweeping and convincing vocals, solid drums from Geoff Charlton, evocative keyboard work and some overt and exiting electric guitar soloing that sends a rock message to those who might think this to be a tad fluffy. It isn't, as Lee Morant smokes throughout the searing arrangement, a trait that he, among others, will provide on future Magicfolk albums!

A sensational debut and a harbinger of even better things to come. If you have not discovered Magicfolk yet, you are missing out on one of prog-folks best kept secrets.

4 fairy-tale traditionals