PoiL Ueda: “PoiL Ueda” (2023) – Album Review

In the 2023 collaboration album “PoiL Ueda”, the experimental French prog band PoIL and Japanese satsuma-biwa artist Junko Ueda create a riveting fusion of traditional Japanese sounds and modern experimental prog. The album’s captivating blend of shomyo chants, medieval storytelling, and avant-garde progressiveness offers a soundscape that’s both unique and haunting. A musical journey clocking in at just 31 minutes, it leaves listeners, seasoned or novice, yearning for more.

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Agusa: “Prima Materia” (2023) – Album Review

With their fifth album, “Prima Materia”, Swedish prog quintet Agusa seamlessly fuses elements of psychedelic rock, folk, symphonic prog, and a medley of world music, taking listeners on a metaphysical journey through primal emotions and vivid musical landscapes. The album is a compelling tour-de-force through the human condition; experience a musical voyage like none other.

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Matteo Mancuso: “The Journey” (2023) – Album Review

Sicilian guitarist Matteo Mancuso’s debut album “The Journey” showcases a mesmerizing blend of jazz, rock, and fusion, solidifying his presence in the guitar world. From curious openers like “Silkroad” to soulful numbers like “Polifemo” and a touching acoustic closer with his father Vincenzo, Mancuso’s compositional talent and classical-inspired technique shine through. Dive into a record that is not only a testament to Mancuso’s musical skill but also a bridge between jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.

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