Detailed Reviews [Ancient Veil - 2020 - "Unplugged Live"]

Prolusion. Italian band ANCIENT VEIL have been around in various constellations ever since 1995, with two studio albums and two live albums to their name so far. Their latest CD is called "Unplugged Live" and was released in 2020 on the Italian label Lizard Records.

Analysis. As the album title indicates, this is a live album. It is not a concert album however, at least not in the classical meaning of the word, as the recordings here are pulled from three different concerts. This isn't strictly speaking an unplugged live album either, as electric guitars and keyboards are featured, but it is at least mainly unplugged and the material is performed with an emphasis on the acoustic instruments. Musically this production is a bit more varied than the album title, the band name as well the instrumentation listed might indicate. This is first and foremost a production that falls under the folk category though, with progressive fitting the premises quite nicely too even if not always in a strictly dominant manner. There is a bit more to it than just this of course. Traditional folk music with a more ancient origin is perhaps the common denominator throughout, with recorders of various kinds taking the lead in providing the core details of that aspect of the band's overall sound here. At times obviously with similarities to good, old Jethro Tull, although in this case I'm pretty sure that these similarities are completely accidental - the result of being aware of the same source material. Unlike aforementioned Tull there aren't too many rock details at hand here, and those who enjoy blues-tinged aspects to music of this kind can by and large look elsewhere too. We do get the occasional touch of symphonic oriented landscapes, but then mainly explored in a folk-oriented manner, and when the band adds some jazz-tinged vibes to the proceedings there will occasionally be a symphonic touch to those as well. Other songs here strike me as perhaps closer to a more contemporary singer/songwriter tradition at heart, while other sections give me slight associations towards chamber music and classical music. The use of the piano in particular will at times have a bit more of a classical music touch to it, at least according to my perception. While we aren't treated to a full concert experience on this album, we are treated to a dynamic live experience where Ancient Veil gets to showcase several different aspects of their music and how it will sound in acoustic and semi-acoustic performances. Some more interesting for a progressive rock oriented audience than others, and just about all of them performances that should be intriguing for those with a strong passion for old as well as newer folk music with and without rock elements present. The only slight negative that may detract some listeners is that the vocals are slightly accented. This is only a very minor issue though, and for some people the slight Italian accent may well be regarded as a positive and charming attribute as well.

Conclusion. While the appeal to a strict progressive rock interested crowd may be discussed with this folk and acoustic dominated live production, those who know, love and treasure the meeting point between folk music and progressive rock will most likely find Ancient Veil's "Unplugged Live" to be a most charming and interesting production, blending slightly different traditions in an elegant and compelling manner. A strong album in general, and quite the gem for most with a passionate taste for music of this specific kind.

Progmessor: May 2021
The Rating Room