STELLAR GARDENER

Antony Kalugin's prolific career is impressive not only for the sheer number of releases but also for the consistency and quality of his works. Released in 2021, Stellar Gardener is yet another gem in his discography, standing out as a project where Kalugin demonstrates complete creative mastery by playing all the instruments. As usual, the result is music filled with elegance and charm. The exception lies in the special participation of Olha Rostovska, who has previously collaborated with him on Karfagen albums and here lends her beautiful voice to the second track.

As with Marshmallow Moondust, released the previous year, Stellar Gardener is structured around two epic tracks, each lasting twenty minutes and forming the heart of the album. The cover, with its space-themed aesthetic, hints at a deeply atmospheric musical journey. In this work, keyboards take center stage, while guitars play a more complementary role, creating a sophisticated sonic texture. Kalugin's ability to compose melodies that transition between introspective and dense moments remains one of his greatest virtues.

The album also carries a profound emotional layer. Dedicated to the memory of his mother, Irina Kalugina, who passed away in December 2020, Stellar Gardener is a heartfelt tribute. In the liner notes, Kalugin writes: "In memory of my mother, Irina Kalugina (July 15, 1958 ? December 11, 2020). You will always be my stellar gardener." This dedication imbues the album with an emotional resonance that permeates it from beginning to end.

The first epic, "Stellar," begins with Kalugin's signature touch: a grand plunge into symphonic music. Over the course of its twenty minutes, the musician guides us through a rich and varied soundscape, alternating between meditative atmospheres and more intense, dense passages. Echoes of Camel and Mike Oldfield are unmistakable but always reinterpreted uniquely by Kalugin. On this album, the keyboards dominate more than in its predecessor, offering an impeccable and cohesive piece marked by a subtler and less grandiose approach ? a detail that only enhances its sophistication.

"Gardener" is equally atmospheric but carries greater overall intensity. The opening chords evoke Rick Wakeman's style, while the synthesizers adopt a more dynamic tone, and the guitars take on a more prominent presence. The track masterfully balances moments of energy and softness, incorporating vocal harmonies that add a touch of melancholy and sweetness. There is also the use of violin (simulated through keyboards), which elevates the music's emotional depth. The central section surprises with a jazzy twist before gradually building in intensity, culminating in a robust and impactful symphonic progressive rock climax. This crescendo fully satisfies listeners seeking more weight in the album. The closing then returns to the serenity that marks the beginning of the work.

Stellar Gardener is undoubtedly an emotional and musical rollercoaster that never loses its symphonic essence. The album also includes four bonus tracks that condense the two main epics into shorter versions. However, for those who dive fully into the work, the complete epics are essential to experiencing the full magic Kalugin is capable of creating. In the end, Stellar Gardener is not just another album; it is a deeply personal work and a celebration of Irina Kalugina's memory.