GHIRIBIZZI from Belgium present their second CD "Pan'ta Rhei", which follows "Zep Tepi" (2001). The band is a sextet consisting of three singing keyboardists, guitarist, bassist and drummer. So there is nothing particularly surprising in the fact that the music is abundant in keyboard patterns and is often vocal heavy as well. Both musically and stylistically, this is a quite mixed bag. The works of symphonic Neo with a strong heavy component (Asian Love, Valley of the Gold) adjoin traditional, at best proto-progressive Hard Rock numbers (Fires of Hell, Don't Fear the Unknown) and rather sugary ballads (Break Down Soon, Remember Paris) as well. Now the band shines with inventiveness, now reveal their numerous influences - from Queen and 10 CC to Marillion and Styx. Many should like this album, but I'd rather look for something more adventurous.
"Tid Ar Ljud", the first offering from Sweden's GOSTA BERLINGS SAGA, is released via their native Transubstance Records and is something I hadn't expected from that label, inasmuch as most of their productions only bear an indirect relationship with Progressive Rock, some being quite alien to it. With the exception of Prog-Metal, this excellent recording embraces all the principal styles that form our beloved genre, namely Sympho Prog, Jazz-Fusion, Space Rock and even RIO in places. The seven instrumental pieces on here are all thoughtfully composed, tastefully arranged and professionally executed, each revealing a genuinely vintage sound, essential progressive features falling as if from a cornucopia. The instrumentation includes electric, acoustic and bass guitars, electric piano, Mellotron, flute, violin and acoustic drums. I could list many legendary bands as references here, but I won't, because the influences are very transitory. Perceived as a kind of musical time machine delivering the listener right to the heart of the '70s, "Tid Ar Ljud" is nevertheless a highly original album, eschewing any direct comparisons. Sincerely recommended, particularly to those who are in their element when listening to Prog in the full variety of its manifestations.
