Air Canda are an instrumental quartet originating out of Saint-Petersburg Russia. On their debut self-titled disc for RAIG, we come across a band that clearly sounds as if they've been hard at work since their inception over five years ago, carefully crafting the compositions that are presented over the course of this exciting and refreshing sounding album.
Hard to pin down stylistically, as the band does draw it's sound from a few different genres, the music contained here could best be described as being prog rock in nature, but with a certain jazz and avant-garde slant as well. While the basis for the band's attack is primarily driven and centered on the muscular riffing and intricate playing of guitarist Stepan Zhzhyonov and the equally as formidable presence of Alexander Belousov's scorching sax work, what is equally impressive is the fluid and often funky rhythm section laid down by bassist Andrei Belka and drummer Roman Oboskalov. Taken together these four musicians interact with each other so well within the context of each composition, that ultimately you realize their intentions are not to show off their dazzling array of musical chops, but rather to serve the song first and foremost. The playing is tight and vibrant and coalesces perfectly, bringing out the densely layered textures and multi-faceted arrangements in all their sonic splendor.
I have to say that as far as debut albums go, it doesn't get much better than this. Air Canda definitely stands out as being one of the best shining new talents featured on the RAIG label.
Track Listing
1) Signature
2) Five Worms
3) Magnetic Doorway
4) Fata Morgana
5) Chronoclasm
6) Rainy Man
7) Ritual
8) 222
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