Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Prog, Folk/Folkrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2013, eclipsed Nr. 150 / 5-2013 | VÖ-Jahr: 2013 | Wertung: 7/10 | Label: Just For Kicks | Autor: WS
The Californian retroprog band Moth Vellum has meanwhile disbanded. Their guitarist Johannes Luley now does his own thing here. Under the melodious, Yes-reminiscent name "Tales From Sheepfather's Grove" with a corresponding cover artwork that oscillates between Roger Dean and Fantasy-Work, he presents a Folkprog album that lies at the intersection of Yes romanticism and Oldfield patchwork folk. "Stab The Sea" starts with meditative sounds, which are reminiscent of Vangelis. Typical Oldfield ethno women's choirs, percussion and acoustic guitars carry you off into an exhilarating spherical cosmos. "Guardians Of Time" is a ballad based on classical guitar in Steve-Howe style. Also "Moments" follows in the footsteps of Yes-/Jon-Anderson-Ballads like "Wondrous Stories". Jon & Vangelis comes to mind just like Anderson's "Olias Of Sunhillow". But Luley's soft voice reminds more of Steve Hackett in higher pitch than of Jon Anderson. "Give And Take" and a longtrack suite record symphonic moments, electric guitar and sound effects. All in all a highly relaxing Folk & Symphonic Prog circumnavigation of the world.
Top track: Suite: Atheos Spiritualis
