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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intelligent, chilling, beautiful..., 1 Dec 2002
Released on the Cyclops label, better known for Progressive Rock releases (stablemates include Mostly Autumn, Grey Lady Down and Landmarq), Richard Wileman takes a big step in producing something so... not rock! This beautiful, haunting album brings to life the 1886 novel 'The Future Eve' with its Frankenstein-esque tale of 'Professor X' and his creation of the perfect mate for his disturbed aristocratic friend. The album has a sombre and mellow opening in 'An Ordinary Mortal', laden with strings and smooth, celestial, wordless vocals, and a beautiful, almost tidal feel. This whole aura escalates as the album progresses, through (my personal highlight) 'Andraiad', 'The Pale Ray' and 'Super Electrical', until it reaches the serene innocence of the title track, 'Eve', where the synthesis of woodwind, strings and vocals give it a certain self-confidence. The tone then darkens and intensifies during 'Sparks That Flash And Fall...', which gracefully combines soft, slightly sinister waltz with climactic outbursts on percussion. The album finishes with the contemplative but no less haunting 'Thoughts and Silences'. It isn't a nice cheerful tune to stop you having nightmares, to remind you that the world is a cheery place, and to 'excuse' the depth and tragedy of the previous tracks. It is an elegant ending to an intense and bewitching album. Karda Estra have created a filmic opus that goes against so much of the somnambulance that passes for 'Modern Classical' music. 'Eve' is a dusky masterpiece that can be embraced by lovers of classical music and open minded, truly 'progressive' rockers alike.
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