INFRONT "WORDLESS" |
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It is amazing to think that less than a couple of decades ago, young Russian musicians would have been frowned upon, or worse, for even thinking about writing and playing 'Western' music. With the state-run Melodica label effectively controlling the music scene, many young artists were stifled and frustrated in their efforts. However, a lot can happen in 20 years and nowadays young bands, like Moscow's Infront, can help prove that music is truly an international language that transcends ideological, political and geographical barriers. The band have been in existence for about five years having released News From The Other Side, an EP of demos (under the name Invisible Front), back in 2003. The appropriately titled Wordless is the first full length album by the band who, mysteriously always, even on their website, refer to themselves by their initials. So all that can be gleaned about the group is that at the time of recording the four band members were kA, dC, tU and kS who play guitars, more guitars, bass and drums. The quartet has recently expanded their instrumental sound by the addition of oA as a full time member, although he actually does appear as a guest on Wordless (and hence is credited under his full name of Oleg Anurin), adding keyboards and effects to three tracks, flute on one and arranging and conducting the brass section on another. Unusually for a young group, the musicians do not set out to impress the listener with overtly complex arrangements and self-indulgent solos, the emphasis being placed more on trying to find ways of achieving non-verbal communication, aiming to create and sustain a feel throughout each composition. That is not to say that the group don't know how to rock out, tracks such as From Where The Wind Blows and, in particular 888 and RUNNN contain moments that shake the cobwebs from the eaves. The twin lead guitars bear resemblance to early Wishbone Ash with each instrument plotting its own course yet never straying far enough from the central theme to become antagonistic. The group are also aware of the value of leaving space for the music to breath, fine examples being Corridor, in which the two guitars unite in harmony, and the slow burn of Chinese Butterfly which proves how effective applying a modicum of restraint can be. The oriental feel of this number entices the audience, craftily guiding the listener through a careful and gradual build where instruments are gently layered upon each other. The additional flute and keyboards add texture and although many bands would be tempted to end in an overblown climax, Infront have taken an entirely different approach, one that is, in equal parts, questioning and satisfying. Very unusual and very nice! The brass (trumpet and trombone) section on Autumn Velvet add an understated yet effective punch to a piece that, stylistically, provides a reflection of Djam Karet, a comparison that continues with RUNNN, although the two pieces are entirely different sonically. Infront have produced an album that is mature beyond the experience of young band. A surprising number of people consider instrumental albums music to be poor cousins to song-based efforts. Wordless helps to prove how wrong such opinions can be. Conclusion: 8 out of 10 Dutch Progressive Rock Page
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