Arabs in Aspic
Syndenes Magi

The Arabs In Aspic are a Norwegian prog band active since 1997 with 4 albums under their belt: the name betrays their unconditional veneration for King Crimson's “Lark’s Tongues in Aspic” and, honestly, listening to the new album titled “Syndenes Magi” you understand why: the beginning of the title track clearly evokes the Wetton era King Crimson with prominent mellotron and heavy guitars. However, the music of Arabs In Aspic, though derivative, is rich with references to the sacred monsters of the '70s. In “Syndenes Magi”, composed of 3 long tracks, there also emerges a love for Pink Floyd in certain typically “Gilmourian” atmospheres in the use of the guitar. But the strength of Arabs In Aspic is in their ability to be original even in a retro context. The second track “Morket 2” is marked by eclecticism with settings that are sometimes hard - always in the King Crimson “Red” era zone - and sometimes calm with moments that reminded me of Genesis's “Nursery Cryme” in the use of the organ. The concluding track “Morket 3” is also the longest composition - over 20 minutes - beginning with an acoustic and quiet start that, again, reminded me of Pink Floyd. Then the music becomes harder, yet always recalling Floyd of “Dark Side of the Moon” but eventually venturing again into hard-rock territories. The second part is the most surprising: the sounds become electronic and spatial in the style of the Cosmic Couriers and early Tangerine Dream, while the finale is folk-tinged. The album is strongly recommended to all lovers of psychedelia and prog; you will find plenty to enjoy.

Available at http://blackwidow.it/