CANTAFABULE

How can you not like this band ? They are so charming and unique in my opinion. I always think of SBB from Poland when I think of PHOENIX because neither had the freedom to do what they wanted to because of their communist governments. This Romanian band started out in the sixties as a Rock & Roll band but because of government interference they were forced to intigrate traditional Folk music into their sound, and ironically it was for the better. While they are listed under Folk, your going to hear more Rock from this amazing band. Like SBB these guys can flat out play. Great vocals and bass playing especially, but the drumming, keyboards and guitar are exceptional too.

"Invocatie" opens with these experimental sounds and noises. It doesn't really kick in until before 2 minutes with vocals.This is dark and fairly heavy. Yes i'm impressed. It changes briefly after 4 minutes as it picks up with celeste. It then settles with spoken words. It kicks back in at 7 minutes. I like how it ends. Good tune ! "Norocul Inorogului" is the most traditional sounding and my least favourite. "Scara Scarabeului" has a 60's flavour to it. Strummed guitar,bass and vocals stand out. "Delfinul, Dulce Dulful Nostru" is a return to form with a darker sound with bass to open. Guitar, drums then vocals join in. It settles some 4 1/2 minutes in with tasteful guitar. It's heavier 5 minutes in. Nice. Great sound here as it blends into "Ucideria Balaurului". It picks up speed with some great guitar and bass as drums pound. Organ before 3 minutes. "Stima Casei" features percussion, bass, guitar and flute as vocals join in. Intricate sounds here. "Pasarea Calandrinon" opens with piano. It kicks in before a minute, vocals follow.The guitar 2 1/2 minutes in sounds great. Piano and violin end it. Excellent song.

"Filip Si Cerbul" has some killer guitar and the drums, bass and vocals are outstanding as well. I like it ! "Vasiliscul Si Aspida" opens with flute and percussion as vocals join in.The flute is replaced by some ripping guitar and drums.Vocal melodies join in then vocals as the drums pound. Great sound. "Sirena" opens with raw guitar then it settles with vocals, synths and drums to a laid back mood with acoustic guitar. Contrasts continue. "Pasarea Roc...K And Roll" has this experimental intro then drums and guitar take over before 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals follow and I like the guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in. "Cintic-Lu A Cucuveaua-Lliei" opens with music box-like sounds before guitar and bass take over. Drums join in the vocals. Amazing sound ! Love this track. It's melancholic yet uplifting. "Zoomahia" opens with spacey synths which is very FLOYD-like. It changes after 1 1/2 minutes as drums lead the way. Vocals are distant a minute later. The guitar starts to light it up. It's spacey again late. "Phoenix" is laid back with a dreamy sound and nice bass lines.Vocals join in. It kicks in before 3 minutes to end it. Nice.

This is a double album which i'm usually hard on, but this is a solid 4 stars in my opinion.