Detailed Review [Fonya - 1997 - "Perfect Cosmological Principle"]

Fonya (USA) - 1997 - "Perfect Cosmological Principle"
(71 min, "Kinesis")

Excellent solo artist Chris Fournier / Fonya and his fifth studio work. This is pseudo- conceptual all-instrumental album based on Chris's thoughts about time and space, an endless search for where we are, for our place in the universe.

The album. Musically Tetrabiblos reflects all the possible feelings and moods familiar to anyone who read Astrological books seriously and attentively. There are exactly twelve different themes in this composition as if specially dedicated to the twelve signs of Zodiac. Guitar and keyboards arrangements are rich, diverse and original. The work of rhythm- section is simply incredible. Bass guitar is a special solo instrument here. Its powerful, dynamic lines add a unique atmosphere to the overall sound.

Spiral Structure in Virgo. For some reason Chris reached the decision to select this sign of Zodiac among others, and I am proud my view on Virgo is the same special. This composition paints a vivid picture of the true feminine beauty, full of Understanding, Forgiveness, and of course, Love - the most positive energy, the most important thing in the whole universe.

Flight of the Rigel Orion, made up of three parts, is a great musical voyage across time and space in search for Systems that could sustain human life, in search for Discoveries in the endlessness of the Land of the Seven Notes that could produce a new formula of Music. On this track Chris very effectively uses a wild variety of keyboard samples to show that the grandeur of Cosmos is in its exceptional diversity within itself. Powerful synthesizer chords and fluid guitar solos sometimes sound really "unearthly".

Mare Nektaris is, like a sea of peace, overcoming all around with soft, gentle waves incoming from varied keyboards. The quietest and lightest composition on album.

Flash Spectrum Scanning Helium Horizon contains many varied mood and themes. This longest separate composition on "Perfect Cosmological Principle" is also the most sophisticated. Complex arrangements, wonderful guitar solos, exceptionally diverse lines of a ubiquitous bass - these are the main characteristics of scanning musical horizons by Chris Fonya on this track.

Uniform Expansion and the Perfect Cosmological Principle sometimes apparently show that a long hypnotic solo from electric guitar can play the same prominent role as a Solo Spacecraft Pilot plays on board of his starship. This composition also features some beautiful interplays between "soft" acoustic guitar, electric guitar and synthesizer into the accompaniment of very dynamic work of rhythm-section. A real Space Symphony.

Delerium's Gate was originally composed by Yes for their "Relayer" album. Chris's short version of this famous side-long suite is based mostly on keyboards. Not as good an effort as the previous tracks.

Summary. While the basic arrangements on "Perfect Cosmological Principle" are done well, I find the structures of rhythm-section composed (!) by Chris even more interesting. Chris is obviously talented as a bass guitar player, but his work as a "drummer" is really outstanding for solo artist. Thanks to his "diligent" fingers, Chris shows how one can obtain "live" sound using programmed drums! So, the bass / drums interplays on this album are among the best the rhythm-section has to offer in the history of the "Solo" Progressive genre. In spite of the presence on the current progressive rock scene such solo artists as Jeremy, Mike Oldfield, and others who work in the similar stylistics, the music on "Perfect Cosmological Principle" is very fresh, and as perfect as the same ancient (yet eternal) Perfect Cosmological Principle.

This CD is available on-line via credit card at: http://www.redshiftproductions.com/

VM. February 16, 2000