Customer Reviews

Delicate Flame of Desire

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I chanced upon this band by hearing one of their songs (Strange Behaviour) off of a sampler CD. Their music is mostly beyond comparison, but to give a suggestion of who they might be similar to, think of Marillion (Seasons End CD, but the best from that - like "Easter") Yes, Genesis, the best moments from IQ and Pendragon, and you're getting close. This band is unique in their emphasis on strong melodies, perfect chord progressions and fantastic arrangements of the songs. They have beautiful female vocals and out of this world vocal harmony and arrangements, Wakeman style keys, emotional and moving (and quite fast yet tasteful) guitar (both lead and acoustic) and just perfect bass and drums. Songs are mostly in the 5 to 7 minute range, and the closer, clocking in at 10:30, is comparable to an epic of Yes or Genesis song writing and performance quality at their best moments. Sound production is perfect - and I'm quite hard to please in that area. Recording captures the dynamics wonderfully - from the quiet moments of piano and vocals to the bombastic peaks with full band and bass pedals! CD comes packaged with a 20 page CD booklet on high quality paper and includes lyrics, etc. I'm now going to buy their entire backlog (3 CDs and 2 DVDs) All can be ordered from their secure web site (or via syn-phonic off the web - where I got mine) or of course, here at Amazon. Go ahead - take the chance!! I've sent an e-mail to the band to let thewm know how much I enjoy their music, and if I could help market this band in the US, I'd do it for free - they're just that good!!

It's very gratefull to see how the women take part in the world of Progressive Rock more each day. The only woman that i remember that had an very remarkable presence into the progressive rock is Annie Haslman of REINAISSANCE (you can listen in albums like Novella and Scheherazade). Actually there are more female vocalist as Tracy Hitchings or Lana Lane. Whatever if there is a band with a great potencial to arrive at the top of the bests bands of progressive Rock with a female vocalist is KARNATAKA. This band contains the best female vocalist in the last 3 awards of the CLASSIC ROCK SOCIETY, the beautiful RACHEL JONES (and with this masterpiece surely she will go for the 4th). Imagine Enya singing with Marrillion (and a little of Fleetwood Mac) in his best times and you can have an idea of the Music of Karnataka. Very Melodic, softly and the same time powerfull, excellent composition and production, a great perfomance of the musicians and the hipnotizing and very sweet voice of Rachel. This album undoubtedly will be in my top THREE of the best albums of this year. I'm fan of the progressive rock since 27 years. I know what i say you. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE IF YOU LIKE THE SYMPHONIC PROGRESSIVE ROCK, ENYA, MARRILION, PINK FLOYD, GENESIS, YES, PENDRAGON, IQ, PALLAS, SAGA, TRIUMVIRAT, MOSTLY AUTUMN, MYLENE FARMER OR ASIA. RATE 9.0 (10 is God).

This is outstanding, I was waiting for something like this, I needed something like this. Its just the progressive rock we all know, but with ambient pads and angelical chorus voices like Enya. Catchy, very complicated sound layerings and melodies. There are some harsh electric guitars sounds, as well as some acoustics sweetness. Drumbeats are ok, nothing too outstanding, pads made by synths are really strong and nice

On the downside I think the album overall is too balladistic, there are no dark or frenetic fast parts, and also it could be more hard in my opinion, as guitar solos are too simplistic, but it seems its the nature of the band. But who doesn't want an extraordinary solo like the closening part from Arena "the visitor"? you won't find that here... But anyway, it depends on the taste. To me this album is a very good listen.

Another band I recommend (much heavier than this one, but overall more catchy) is Leaves' Eyes and the album I recommend from them is Lovelorn.

About seven years ago, my brother introduced me to the hit "Delicate Flame of Desire." The album, under the same title, was released in 2003. I really liked the title track as it was full of key changes, diverse sections, great dynamics and musicianship all the way around - so, I bought the album - only to be sadly disappointed.

The positive - Rachel Jones, the lead singer, has a beautiful voice. The best way I can describe her tone quality is if one could combine the subtleness of Judy Collins with the edge of Grace Slick. As one of the primary song writers, she and the other members of the band have written gorgeous melodies atop thick synths and electric guitar. The first track is a short instrumental and tracks 2-4 are very enjoyable to listen to. The only problem is that the melodies begin to sound the same, using the same intervals and rhythms. By the time I reached track four, "After the Rain," my interest was waning.

Critics call this band progressive, but it's a far cry from what you'd find if you listen to Yes, Asia, or King Crimson. Their style is more akin to Pink Floyd; however, unlike Floyd, the guitar solos, though melodic, are extremely conservative and the keyboard uninteresting. The final song on the album, "Heart of Stone," does venture into 7/4 time, offset by 6/4 and 4/4 now and then, but that's as progressive as it gets. The chord changes and rhythms are not enough out of the ordinary for me to classify them as progressive rock - more like standard pop fare. I have to say that the bassist does some interesting things, when given the chance. It's unfortunate that it's few and far between.

If you like pedal tones, big synths that sustain long chords over a female voice, with an occasional well-crafted guitar solo, this album may be for you. I'm keeping this album because it's nice background music and a bit different from anything else I have in my library; but, I doubt I'll purchase any more from this group.

I wish that i had discovered this band, but I didn't. The voice and music on this cd is fantastic.. don't give up on good music,,, its still around if you look for it.