Phoenix
Cantofabule

“Is it possible that there are no reviews about the group CaioSempronio?”

I've never really liked those reviews that start with this question, but this time I think it's definitely appropriate to ask it.

Lasers chase each other, battle in the cosmos, emit sparks upon collision. “Cantofabule” by Phoenix has just started. Let’s say immediately that “Cantofabule” is considered the best album ever produced by a Romanian band.

Oh yes, these are not the recent poppy Phoenix, fear not! Entirely sung in Romanian, a language as fascinating as Latin, the album is a concept from 1975 but you can't really say it's heavily influenced by the times; if you like classifications, we could very well say this is an album of progressive folk, with hard elements and intermittent electronic flashes.

But going back to the human side, what strikes you the most is the admirable artistic sensitivity with which these five musicians from the East have been able to adapt ancient Romanian musical traditions to the modern grandeur of a Rock Opera, using a variety of instruments, from classical to folk to electronic, and in their way establishing themselves within the canons of total music.

The stunning "Zoomahia" is an immersive incursion into the cosmic depths of Tangerine Dream. Fans of prog, folk, hard rock, or space will have plenty to feast on.

PHOENIX – CANTOFABULE (LP Electrecord Romania – 1975)

Track List

1. Invocatie (10:13)
2. Norocul Inorogului (3:19)
3. Scara Scarabeului (2:20)
4. Definul, Dulce Dulful Nostru (5:49)
5. Uciderea Balaurului (4:35)
6. Stima Casei (2:21)
7. Pasarea Calandrinon (5:50)
8. Filip Si Cerbul (4:30)
9. Vasiliscul Si Aspida (3:55)
10. Sirena (3:45)
11. Pasarea Roc..k And Roll (5:32)
12. Canticlu A Cucuveaualiei (7:07)
13. Zoomahia (6:04)
14. Phoenix (3:44)

Line-up

Nicolae Covaci - lead guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar, double six, blockflote
Iosif Kappl - bass, vocals, violin, blockflote
Mircea Baniciu - vocals, guitar
Ovidiu Lipan - drums, bongos, tympani, gong, chimes, tambourine
Gunter Reininger - piano, electric piano, synthesizer, celesta, electronic organ