17 Pygmies – Isabel II: Abandon Rising (CD Album – Trakwerx)
Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, ethereal, folk.
Background/Info: Set up in the early 80s by ex-Savage Republic member Jackson Del Rey, 17 Pygmies has gone through different periods and influences. This work is meant to be the follow-up album to their successful and early work “Captured In Ice”.
Content: This is a particular and hard to define work, which moves from ethereal vocals towards neo-classic passages and folk. The main characteristic is a solid and dreamy cinematographic format, which emerges quite regularly. The evasive style also covers a more intimate and beautiful melancholic impression, which is accentuated by the acoustic instruments like accordion and especially the violin.
Jackson Del Rey remains the main inspiring force behind 17 Pygmies, but he got the help of his acolytes and a few guest musicians. The work is a beautiful composition filled with a delicious taste of prosperity and delicate sound arrangements.
+ + + : This is a beautiful release on, which the multiple acoustic instruments inject a deeply, artistic touch. I also have to say a word about the real personal and artistic artwork of this album, which simply confirms that a physical audio format with its artwork will always remain eternal.
– – – : There’s no real song emerging from the tracklist, but in the end I should say it’s the kind of opus you have to listen to as a total entity.
Conclusion: Sadness and melancholia are like the muses of 17 Pygmies to create this delicious sonic caress.
Best songs: “Isabel XXI”, “Isabel XIII”, “Isabel XVII”.
Rate: (7½).
Band: www.facebook.com/17Pygmies
Label: www.trakwerx.com/label.htm / www.facebook.com/pages/Trakwerx/173869365997202
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
