SOLAR POWER

I first came across these guys somewhere around the time of the release of their official debut album, and it is quite hard to realise that 'Trajectories' came out some ten years ago while the original three members Vassili Soloviev, Andy Didorenko and Aleksander Akimov met more than 20 years ago at a music conservatory in Moscow. Over the years there have been a few line-up changes and since 2009's 'Sources' they have become a trio with Andy Didorenko taking on even more responsibility (violins, guitars, bass, keyboard, vocal as well as providing all of the songs) while Vassili Soloviev is still there on flute with new member Konstantin Shtirlitz on drums. The biggest problem with this album is working out how best to describe it, as while I could list influences (King Crimson, Miles Davis, Kansas, After Crying, KBB plus many more) it just doesn't do justice to what is a wonderful collection of music.

There are times when the music is in perfect harmony, at others in imperfect dischord, yet at all times making perfect musical sense and daring the listener to sit down and concentrate on something that is a perfect meld of prog rock and jazz while being beholden to neither, and instead creates something that is quite different. The classical training and influences also come through at times, with a resulting mix and morass that is multi-layered and complex yet is also easy to work through. If one sometimes feels that a song or album is just like a snack, over way too quickly and being okay but not really filling, then take it from me that this is a feast. If you are musically adventurous and want something to get your teeth into then this is it. www.lostworldband.com