Detailed Reviews [Yesterdays - 2018 - Senki Madara]

Prolusion. Romanian band YESTERDAYS are veterans in their native progressive rock scene, with a history going back almost 20 years at this point. The band have released three studio albums so far. Their most recent production is "Senki Madara", and album that was self released by the band in 2018.

Analysis. I understand that native Romanian folk music was a source of inspiration for this album, and that the band included, transformed and otherwise sought to include specific themes and motifs from their old music history to be a part of the totality of this album, and that these traist then were blended in with the symphonic progressive rock this band has a history of creating. And while I do suspect that you'll need to have some expertise in Romanian folk music to pinpoint these exact tendencies, it is easy to hear that this is an album where symphonic progressive rock has been given a liberal flavoring of folk music details. Those who know and love symphonic progressive rock will be pleased that this is a band that honors the vintage era of that subset of progressive rock. Floating vintage sounding keyboards, expressive instrument details, Mellotron and the harpsichord all have their place on this production, while the guitars have a bit more of a dampened presence. Some sharper guitar soloing can be found, and while the electric guitar mainly has a subtle supporting role a bit more bite is added here and there for depth and impact. But it is the clean and the acoustic guitar that is most visible in the soundscapes, providing that gentle touch, especially in the more distinct folk-oriented passages. And that is an important aspect of this album. Most of the songs will alternate between more full blown symphonic progressive rock sections and passages with a stronger folk-oriented orientation. The former more majestic and floating, the latter more light and ethereal in construction. These universes do meet and mix as well of course, and they segue into one another rather more often than opting for the more abrupt alterations. Which gives the album as a whole as well as the individual songs a nice end compelling, elegant flow. The aforementioned acoustic guitar and the clear, elegantly defined vocals of Stephanie Semeniuc does a good job of emphasizing the flow and consistency of the material, and that bassist and presumed main band member Bogati-Bokor Akos appears to have a soft spot for jazz-tinged bass motifs further strengthens that aspect of the album.

Conclusion. There is a lot to like about Yesterday's third album, and those who really enjoy the gentler aspects of 70's era symphonic progressive rock will most likely find this album to be immensely enjoyable. Especially if the inclusion of folk music elements and the occasional tip of the hat in the direction of jazz is regarded as a positive feature. A well made and solid quality album for the aficionados of vintage era 70's symphonic progressive rock.

Progmessor: April 19th 2019
The Rating Room