All credit goes to Vyacheslav Lunarin for introducing me to Disen Gage, a Russian progressive rock group whose album reminds me of a lot of the classic Rock-In-Opposition groups of the past.
Rock-In-Opposition (RIO)
[Music] Santiago Fradejas – Sketches For Sarah, Vol. 2
I had the pleasure of reviewing Mrs. Fradejas a couple of days ago, and now it’s time to review Mr. Fradejas! Santiago’s new release sits in an equally unique point on the music reference chart. One can find something akin to post-Industrial noise, a brutalist interpretation of contemporary classical music, improvisation in the fine European-American free jazz tradition, and avant-progressive rock which labels like Cuneiform Records champion. Another masterpiece by one of the best young composers operating in Europe today.
[Music] A.M Ferrari Fradejas – Dominique Worships The Sun
A.M Ferrari Fradejas is a composer based in France who also happens to be the wife of noted guitarist and composer Santiago Frajedas, whose amazing work has graced these pages in the past. Ferreri Frajedas’ new release is an absolute delight to listen to, and it came as a shock to my ears.
I was expecting progressive rock, and I was rewarded with that in spades. What I didn’t expect to find was a deep thread of ethereal music, some of which reminded me of past bands like Chandeen or Love Is Colder Than Death. There is also a touch of cabaret music here, as well as reminisces of groups like Slapp Happy, Henry Cow and Dagmar Krause’s solo work. Fans of Laurie Anderson might find something familiar here as well.
It was weird, hazy, and utterly fun listening for me.
[Music] Sepsis – A Liturgy Of Madness
I love being a music sponge, but even with my rather vast knowledge of strange music, some things slip through the cracks. The Russian band Sepsis is a case in point. Apparently, the band was from Leningrad (now St Petersburg), and created a sound which would be familiar to fans of Rock-In-Opposition and avant-progressive music.
[Music] LIGHT COORPORATION 64:38 Radio Full Liv(f)e /Fifth Album Coming Soon /RéR Recommended London
LIGHT CORPORATION out of Poland are quickly becoming one of my favorite progressive rock bands. They meld together influences like King Crimson and Univers Zero, while adding a touch of something new. That they are being released on Chris Cutler’s legendary record label, Recommended, says a lot about the quality of their music.
Visit the band’s website here for more information.
[Music] Daniel Denis – Coeur De Boeuf
Daniel Denis of Univers Zero and Art Zoyd has quite an impressive resume as a solo artist. Here is a composition of his which translates into “Beef Heart” (one can guess who he is offering tribute to).
[Music] Rational Diet – Pukhow
It’s a crying shame that Belarusian Rock-In-Opposition-influenced band Rational Diet is no more. For my taste, they had carried the torch first illumined by bands such as Art Zoyd, Univers Zero and Henry Cow.
[Music] Синкопированная Тишина (Syncopated Silence) – Протобаян
To my knowledge, Syncopated Silence doesn’t even have an album available yet, but they’re causing quite a lot of interest in the prog world, especially those who like avant-progressive and zeuhl music.
They have their own website here, but it’s in Russian.
[Music Sample] Cuneiform Turns 30: The Albums of 2014
Washington D.C.-based Cuneiform Records has been publishing influential avant-prog rock music for three decades now. Steve Feigenbaum, the label’s owner, should be commended for bringing such groups like Univers Zero, Daniel Denis, Richard Pinhas and Happy Family to American consumers.
This compilation covers 30 years of great releases, and is available as a ‘name-your-price’ download, courtesy of Bandcamp.
[Music] Present – Liquidation Totale (Live)
Present is a group fronted by Roger Trigaux, who once played guitar for one of my favorite bands, Univers Zero. They’re apparently about to release new music, and this track may be the centerpiece of a new album. Let’s hope so, as they sound like they’re in wonderful form.
