VS MABUS

An interesting Canadian band,started as a Psychedelic/Jam/Alternative Rock act by multi- instrumentalists Graham Epp and Jesse Warkentin along with bassist Nathan Loewen and later drummer Jean-Paul Perron.Their debut ''Plays the blues'' from 2001 was a mix of the above description,but then the band arised to a seven-piece act with the addition of keyboards and wind instruments.''The living sounds'' from 2003 sees the band introducing these new elements,but still searching for a particular style.The next year Mahogany Frog moved to Winnipeg and were shortened again to a quartet with new bassist Scott Ellenberger with the prog influences playing now a basic role to their sound.''Vs Mabus'', distributed by Teargas Recording Tree in 2004,just confirms the fact.

The opening 12-min. ''Spooky'' is a good Psych/Prog piece with varied guitar work and nice work on electronics,synthesizers and effects.It is followed by the short but very intense ''St. Helga of Argyle'',where jazzy guitars battle with synths and organ in a very Canterbury- influenced track.More from Canterbury inspiration on the 11-min. ''The Third Machine'' and this one is a stunning cut,where I can't help thinking of HATFIELD AND THE NORTH, CARAVAN but especially NATIONAL HEALTH when listening to it plus an evident NUCLEUS vibe.Impressive interplays between organ,Farfisa,piano and synths with the guitars with also a psychedelic start with wind instruments will complete a beautiful experience.The 17-min. ''Paul's Overalls Hold Mould'' is the amalgam of all Mahogany Frog's inspirations.A mix of Psychedelic/Kraut jamming sessions with Heavy Rock and Jazz-Rock with a rich sound,shifting moods and improvisational parts with lost of electronic effects added.A really ambitious and interesting number.The album will close with the 13-min. '' Boat Alone (We're Not Sailing in This...)'' and its respectful electronic/synth effects start,which will leave their place to some nice Canterbury/Jazz-Prog with beautiful work on organ and piano,the already familiar jazzy style of Warkentin's guitar with also some lovely flute passages added,a track which features the best of the album's sudden breaks.

This band should have entered the prog world sometime earlier.But it is never too late at least and Mahogany Frog released some of the most finest Canterbury-influenced Jazz/Prog ever to be recorded by a modern band.Strongly recommended, especially if you are an addict of bands in the vein of CARAVAN,THE SOFT MACHINE, GILGAMESH, HATFIELD AND THE NORTH and NATIONAL HEALTH or artists like BRIAN AUGER snd KEVIN AYERS.