SOLAR POWER

Russian constellation LOST WORLD BAND, previously known as Lost World, has been around in one form or another since 1990, making their official debut as recording artists back in 2003. A total of 4 studio albums and one live production have been released by this band as of the time of writing, and "Solar Power" from 2013 is their most recent one.

The fourth studio album by this fine Russian band is an impressive one too. Extremely hard to categorize, and featuring short, tight compositions sporting enough alterations, shifts and thematic developments to keep even the very attentive listener busy for quite some time just trying to follow events. Keeping track of them as well a task I'll just note down as challenging. Not that this is a chaotic album by any means, as all the songs flow nicely and logically through the myriads of changes, alterations and revisits of previously explored themes and arrangements. It's just that there's quite a lot going on here.

There's often a folk music sheen to the proceedings here. The violin used extensively throughout, with occasional flute details adding a certain emphasis to this aspect. Occasionally with the band more or less briefly taking on a sound that invites to namedropping Jethro Tull as a likely influence. Metamorphoses a nice example of just that, once the initial movement shifts. At other times there's more of a Floydian tinge to the proceedings, and King Crimson can probably be added to the stew of not unlikely influences. Gnarly dark toned guitar riff constructions dueling with violin is another aspect of this bands repertoire, and fans of jazzrock and fusion is thrown the occasional bone as well. All of this subtly flavored with electronic effects, and with build ups to more or less majestic symphonic escapades as a central, recurring feature in just about all the compositions.

It'll take plenty of listen throughs before this album sits in your mind, as there's quite a lot going on here. As I experience this disc I'd say that it will take something of an eclectic taste in music to be able to fully enjoy this one, and most likely a taste for music somewhat unconventional as well. But if you can subscribe to such descriptions, "Solar Power" is an album that should be a rewarding and enticing experience for you.