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'Sunchild - As Far As The Eye Can See'
Reviews
Video Review : Other Reviews : Classic Rock Society Antony Kalugin is a gifted musician and composer, and his latest inventive CD adds jaunty melodrama, accentuated by a female vocalist in the Kate Bush/Michelle Young/Tori Amos tradition (Olga Chernova), to his trademark folk touches (accordion, cello, flute, violin etc) and above average rich and melodic prog sound. Opener ‘Stars of Cardiff Bay’ has wave after wave of musical idea, guitarist Andrey Kobylyanskiy riffing joyously with guest Roberto Diaz (Anima Mundi) in and around Kalugin’s lush keyboard arrangements, themes and solos. ‘Ring of Eternity’s oboe and percussion embellish this’ Tori Amos does prog’ number, its theme inventively replicated in innumerable variations. Kalugin’s vocals and the structure of ‘Seven Kings’ reminds me of Galleon, and ‘Mirrors’ is a prog relative of Bush’s ‘Babooshka’. ‘Gordian Knot’ uses Kalugin’s breathy vocals to good effect over its rising and falling movements, whilst the intimate verse and soaring chorus of ‘ Rising’ is almost ‘Cerys Matthews sings Magenta’ in nature. There is musical drama within the waltzing ‘March of Fate’, contrasted immediately against the ethereal beginning of ‘Visionary Sights’ that develops passionate melody and harmonies topped with soaring guitar, before its blends into title track ‘As Far as the Eye Can See’, an eloquent closing statement that combines the emotion and liveliness of the preceding tracks. I am sure there will be those who may struggle with either the accented, unique vocals or cod-operatic elements within the music. Others will understand and appreciate Kalugin’s achievement, enhancing his existing style with unique and individual musical accents. Fans of Galleon or (A Nod and a Wink) Camel should appreciate this striking work. DP
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