6 albums deep into their career, Russian outfit Vespero have crafted a vast catalog of diverse sounding music that has put them head and shoulders above the rest of their contemporaries. Their music, which incorporates many different styles that are all gently interwoven, is primarily characterized by a multi-layered approach, free of any time constraints, that slowly unfolds until a finished patchwork of recognizable beauty is revealed. With each new release, the band has peeled back another layer and given the listener a completely refreshing and different listening experience.
Their latest offering through RAIG entitled Fitful Slumber Until 5 A.M. is in their words wrapped around the concept and "theme of intricate functions of the human subconscious, dream visions and music." Each track can be interpreted as a standalone dream or vision and yet it is all so expertly crafted in a way that almost suggests that individual titles don't really apply, because it all feels like one long form, flowing, multi-faceted composition. This feeling isn't new, it's what you get each time you initiate the Vespero listening experience, and their new album is no exception.
Armed with a lineup featuring Arkady 'Ark' Fedotov (bass, synths, flutes, voice), Ivan Fedotov (drums, percussions), Alexei Klabukov (synths, keyboards, accordion), and Alexander Kuzovlev (guitars, electronics), this seventy minute epic finds the band continuing to blend their prog/ jazz/ psych rock template and adding subtle elements of folk and ethnic music to the mix. The musicianship is once again stellar and the arrangements are elaborate and superbly crafted. The unique brand of music that Vespero creates is constructed in such a way, that all it really asks of the listener is that they find a time and space to listen to the music from beginning to end. If received in this manner, it just makes the rewards that much more plentiful.
Fitful Slumber Until 5 A.M. is yet another masterpiece in the Vespero catalog. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of discovering their music, I strongly recommend you seek out this one or any of their other releases. You will not be disappointed.
Track Listing
1) Vision 1. Ogni Fuoco
2) Vision 2. Outer Planting
3) Vision 3. Kamzas Red Sands
4) Vision 4. 1507
5) Vision 5. Ezel
6) Vision 6. Atil
7) Vision 7. Kidish Hail
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