Detailed Reviews [Karmamoi - 2021 - "Room 101"]

Prolusion. Italian band KARMAMOI was formed back in 2008, and starting from 2011 they have released 5 studio albums in total. "Room 101" is their most recent album, and was self released in the late spring of 2021.

Analysis. There are many facets and sides to the music of Karmamoi, but one I think I will stick to is atmospheric laden progressive rock, as that description covers what the band is about at least on this latest album of theirs. The three permanent members and the various guest musicians at hand here do explore fairly diverse landscapes throughout this album, but the focus appears to be on the creation of atmospheric laden landscapes. Many of the songs here feature an unusual flow and motion, in that they will open gently, develop into a richer and more layered arrangement, and then stop in part or in full and rebuild. That is one element of this production that may well be experienced as disruptive for some, but it is also a strong character trait for this production. The liberal inclusion of tender passages with gentle guitars, piano, keyboards and vocals is another trademark feature here, and developing these landscapes by adding layers of keyboards and alternating pace and instrument intensity is another. Elegant guitar and keyboard solo runs is a feature that fits perfectly here, as does the occasional use of violin solo runs. The use of electronic effects and electronic noise, when applied, at times creates a striking contrast to the arrangements they are a part of. At times with something of a disturbing effect, to the point that this may well be a slight divisive issue for some listeners as well. As the album develops we do get provided with parts and passages with a more vibrant nature too, where the elegant and atmospheric laden landscapes are left behind now and then for a bit harder and heavier guitar riffs and arrangements with a more dramatic overall nature. Including some classic guitar and keyboard combinations that create majestic landscapes. More intense solo runs by the guitar and keyboards appear too, but just about all the time we are treated with the gentler side of matters in the same songs as well. While this isn't an album to the taste of all and sundry, everything is really well executed all along. I suspect this may be one of those albums where the music either clicks or doesn't click with the listener, and then obviously to a bit greater extent than what is ordinary. A point of note here is that the material is far from easygoing, even if having something of a focus on the more elegant and atmospheric laden parts of the progressive rock universe. It is a demanding rather than challenging production in this context as I regard it, it takes some focus to follow everything that is going on in the different songs.

Conclusion. Despite featuring some elements I usually don't enjoy all that much, I do find this most recent album by Karmamoi to be quite the enchanting affair. Haunting and beautiful, but also with both depth and a liberal amount of subtle details to enjoy. How broad a reach this production eventually will get I cannot predict, but from my perspective at least I'd say that those who generally like progressive rock described as being atmospheric laden and haunting may well feel at home and at ease with this production. As long as they do not have the expectation that this will be an easy and easygoing listen, and are in the mood for an album that demands more focused listening if you want to get into it.

Progmessor: July 2021
The Rating Room