REBIRTH

Having reviewed the continuous chain of new albums by Antony Kalugin (whether under his own name or his band project KARFAGEN), I feel that with this work there's no urgent need to deal with the thread of the fatigue factor. Nor do I wish to think of the horrible situation his country Ukraine is suffering. This album made under such sad circumstances really proves the power of creativity and music as a torch. All the more so as Rebirth sounds sincerely inspired and hopeful -- and light, in a happy, good way.

Antony handles keyboards, synth guitars and programming while the electric guitar is played by Max Velychko. That's a rewarding deal indeed: Max has added organic strength that would perhaps be lacking if Antony had done everything by himself. Compared to the albums with the epic structure of 20-minute suites, Rebirth that consists of ten tracks (only 7:34 at longest) understandably doesn't attempt to be as symphonic. This approach covered the half of the preceding album Chameleon Shapeshifter (2021) in which the shorter pieces were somewhat inferior to the gorgeous epic piece. In that sense I feel Antony has now succeeded better as a composer of regular length pieces.

I enjoy the bright keyboard sounds on the opening track 'Rebirth', and the fine melody is nicely bouncing between keys and electric guitar. 'Planets' -- as the album as a whole -- makes me think of some post-80's MIKE OLDFIELD albums such as Songs from Distant Earth. 'Days of Joy' is, as the title suggests, among the most light-hearted pieces and pretty enjoyable. 'White Castle' features sounds that lead your imagination to bygone times and exotic places like Alhambra. A bit of BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, a bit of LOREENA McKENNITT (without vocals).

The entire album is very accessible and melodic, which shouldn't be seen as a weakness per se -- not even on a prog site. The melodies are beautiful in their sincerity, for example on the nocturnally sensual 'Night Visions' and the laid back 'Sky Lines'. 'Broken Promises' has a bit darker mood, but the album is finished by 'Coming Home' that radiates hope. Rebirth is a balanced and coherent album of light instrumental prog, easily worth four stars in my opinion. It manages to have a distinctive, warm and positive personality among Antony Kalugin's ever-expanding discography.