If you're looking for a musical universe where classical influences coexist with elements of progressive rock and the avant-garde all on the same album then you'll definitely want to check out The Reverse May Be True, the third full length release from one of Russia's most respected and original sounding bands Disen Gage.
Comprised of guitarists Konstantin Mochalov & Sergei Bagin , bassist Nikolai Syrtsev and drummer Eugeny Kudryashov , the quartet counts classical composers Debussy and Ravel, along with John Wetton and Sci Fi writer Douglas Adams as influences so that might give you a bit of an idea of what you're in for here musically.
Things get off to an interesting start with the opening track "What's Up On Planet Plytuk?" which sets an early cinematic tone with its distinct soundtrack like vibe. This segues directly into "Landing" which is an eight minute foray into the abstract beginning with a slow and dramatic build up via a plethora of intricate rhythms and jagged guitar work. Around the half way point the song take on a completely different and almost more sinister character as the tempos increase and things erupt into a metallic sounding polka. This multi faceted composition combines King Crimson's muscular tendencies with Zappa's quirky and complex arrangements. Speaking of Crimson the next two tracks owe more than a nod to the English progressive legends. "Lehaim To N.E.P A begins with an almost Fripp like guitar pattern and more of Kudryashov's ever shuffling tempos before a trumpet solo bursts through the pristine sounding mix. It's worth mentioning that all of the keyboards and horns on this album are performed entirely on the guitar. The second Crimson inspired track and one of the strongest of the bunch here is "Exyrinx". The majority of this seven minute epic sounds like one of the nightly live improvisations from the '74 Wetton/ Fripp/ Bruford/ Cross lineup. Kudryashov holds down a basic but infectious and repetitive rhythm for the guitarists to solo over, yet unlike the Crimson inprov's which would eventually explode in a furious blow between the musicians this one sounds more subdued and atmospheric. Every one of these ten tracks takes on a life of its own and while each composition has its own unique characteristics the general feeling of cohesiveness that flows through this record from beginning to end cannot be understated. The final two tracks "Ikar's Guide To The Galaxy" and "How Much Oxygen On Planet Khanud?" alone make this CD worth purchasing, not to metion it comes in a gorgeous looking digipak that pays as much attention to aesthetics as the actual music.
In the end it's should come as no surprise that Disengage is one of the most revered bands on RAIG's roster because The Reverse May Be True is further proof of this units consistent artistic brilliance at crafting both adventurous and thought provoking compositions.
Track Listing
1) What's Up On Planet Plytuk?
2) Landing
3) Lehaim To N.E.P.
4) Exyrinx
5) To Kill Kenny
6) The Parovoz Hitchhikers To Japan
7) God Saw Otherwise
8) Laxatives Are Included
9) Ikar's Guide To The Galaxy
10) How Much Oxygen On Planet Khanud?
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