| The
Review |
It never ceases to amaze me just how far reaching the
progressive rock influence is. I would venture to say there
must be at least one progressive rock band performing in every
country in the world and that includes the Ukraine. There
the honor falls to a band called Karfagen who’ve just released
their first North American CD entitled Continium, a musical
offering that is mostly symphonic in nature with a hint of
New Age moods thrown in to help carve out a distinct sound.
***
The origins of Karfagen go back to 1997 where the band
was formed by architectural student Antony Kalugin while still
in school. After a few years of trying to focus on a musical
direction, a time that included plenty of commercial projects
and New Age recordings, Kalugin gathered nine additional musicians
and reformed Karfagen to record Continium in 2005. ***
The CD’s 10 tracks range in length from two-minutes to
just over eight-minutes and are mostly instrumental. Only
a couple of the tracks have any vocals. As mentioned the music
is mostly up-tempo, sprightly symphonic prog with a strong
keyboard presence. One notices the New Age style from time
to time, but usually as an introduction or bridge to something
more complex. Generally though the music is lush, and full
of dynamics with many of the pieces displaying an almost Celtic
sound. The compositions feature some well placed flute, there’s
even some accordion and harmonica worked into the pieces.
One of the tracks is a solo piano piece. There isn’t a whole
lot of guitar soloing but it is there in a few of the tracks,
sometimes electric at other times acoustic. In fact what is
most noticeable about Continium, is just how balanced everything
is. Nothing is overdone, each instrument or musical style
is used for a purpose and then the piece moves on. The musicianship
is tight, the arrangements are masterful and the sound is
very bright. ***
If you’re a fan of melodic, symphonic prog, Karfagen’s
Continium get’s my recommendation. It will certainly be a
CD you’ll enjoy. At times majestic, at other times haunting,
but always full of emotion, it’s a very satisfying listen.
***
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