Fromuz: Audio Diplomacy

While Fromuz are a relatively new and somewhat unknown band to the progressive scene, the release of their debut CD Audio Diplomacy, which is a brilliant blend of varied musical styles, is going to blow the doors open worldwide for these guys. The band is from Uzbekistan and was formally introduced to the international community at large in 2005 with a live concert recorded at the Youth Theater in Uzbekistan, which is presented here on Audio Diplomacy in all its glory in both CD and DVD versions of said show. Fromuz features four extremely skilled musicians who seemingly have no creative limitations or musical boundaries. They sure as hell don't hesitate to incorporate these many different influences and styles into the structures of their songs.

The disc kicks off with a song appropriately entitled "Intro", which begins with some fine Kraftwerk style electronic percussion alongside a bizarre mix of sound effects which include a bit of turntable scratching, the recorded voice of a telephone operator and both a ringing cuckoo and alarm clock, before the song settles into it's main groove. A brief drum flurry from Vladimir Badirov sets the stage for some early guitar fireworks courtesy of Vitaly Popeloff on the second track "From Fromuz". Popeloff gets in his fair share of tasty and melodic, jazz tinged solos as the song reaches it's crescendo about half the way through before shifting gears thanks to the sampling shenegians and precise keyboard playing of Albert Khalmurzayev. In fact it's Khalmurzayev along with bassist Andrew Mara-Novik and drummer Badirov who take the later third of this track into some very funky, jazz influenced territory. The band takes things down a notch for the lengthy third track "Wax Inhabitants Town" and the early stages of the next song "Gameplay Imitation" before the listener is subjected to another full on assault of Popeloff's midi laced guitar pyrotechnics. This track is a perfect example of just how brilliantly Fromuz are at effortlessly integrating the electronic element into their music without it sounding out of place or forced, it just gels perfectly. "Spare Wheel" and "Familiarization Results" continues along the same lines as both tracks feature more of Popeloff's searing leads combined with numerous tempo changes and more electronic instrumentation. The epic "Harry Heller Theater" and closing track "Babylon Dreams" wraps things up in a glorious fashion and by the time it's all over it's hard to believe almost 74 minutes have sailed by. It's really difficult to pin down or really categorize Fromuz as they mix progressive rock with metal, jazz and elements of electronica so effortlessly that Audio Diplomacy comes off as nothing less than brilliant. Not to mention the sound and production is so crisp and crystal clear, it's a joy to listen to and just completes the whole listening experience.

The disc comes as mentioned earlier with a DVD live performance of the show from the Youth Theater and includes 2 tracks not featured on the audio portion, "Remark #12" and "Dual Ad Libitum". There is no jumpy camera work or quick edits to ruin the experience, as a lot of live shows captured for posterity these days tend to be more about the MTV style edits rather than focusing on the performance itself. Fortunately you get none of that here, just the band hunkering down and cranking out some of the finest music you're ever going to see or hear. Audio Diplomacy is quite an adventurous debut from such a new band; however it's a leap that pays off big time and yields absolutely splendid results. Brillianty executed musical performances that feel completely natural in their ability to blend different musical styles make this one a definite keeper.

Track Listing
1) Intro
2) From Fromuz
3) Wax Inhabitants Town
4) Gameplay Imitation
5) Spare Wheel
6) Familiarization Results
7) Harry Heller Theater
8) Babylon Dreams

Added: April 2nd 2007
Reviewer: Ryan Sparks
Score:
Related Link: 10t Records
Hits: 6981
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]