Karfagen - The Space Between Us (2007)Unicorn Digital

This Ukrainian band's name equals "karthago", that is a symbol of glory and wisdom or an eternal journey to the forgotten world of the past and unpredictable future. It is a fancy title. Well, the group was founded in 1997, however "The Space Between Us" is their second album predated by the debut "Continium" (2006). Karfagen is made of a basic quartet: Antony Kalugin (keys, flute, percussion, vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, FXS), Kostya Shepelenko (drums), Sergey Kovalev (harmonica, bayan, vocal) and Oleg Polyanskiy (keys). Auxiliary roles were played by the likes of Oleg Booklov (electric guitars), Denis Moroz (jazz guitar), Roman Cycherenko (bass), Tim Sobolev (vocal), Georgiy Katunin (lyre, flutes), Lena Moscalec (vocal), Oleg Korotaev (nylon guitars) and David Todua (electric guitars).

At the very beginning, I feel a duty to stress that here aren't usual vocal parts, but only whistles, wails, narrative fragments and recorded conversations in Ukrainian. Actually, it is an instrumental CD with intelligent and exquisite progressive music. Aforementioned elements are interlaced with smooth virtuosity grounded on jazz and classical patterns, even though a musical structure is based on an astonishing keyboards to a considerable extent. Ukrainians produce the instrumental space progression not only by using guitars and keys, but also thanks to folk instrumentation like harmonica, bayan (a kind of accordion popular in Russia since the end of the 19th century until now) and lyre (a harp used by ancient Greeks for accompaniment). Obviously, Antony Kalugin is the main composer and brains of the music, however I admit that Oleg Polyanskiy is a piano wizard comparable to Frank Lucas himself! The most distinctive factor of their music is the ability to build a fabulous atmosphere and amazing mood. All these impressive effects are managed thanks to a colourful instrumental outfit and assembly of subtle tempers. Additionally, the album's cover is a real beauty and artwork indeed!

They have showed how to renew the classic progressive music. Yeah, this band excels over many contemporary progrock and progmetal groups. You can become convinced that the virtuosity can be affectionate, emotional and non-kitschy simultaneously. With this CD a Ukrainian band will inject you with a positive energy helping us with facing the present world of fleeting values. Karfagen is the instrumental version of Camel in the 21st century! In my opinion, it is one of the best progressive groups in the history of the genre ever existed. Total professionalism! The real sensation!