Less is more is a phrase often used in various circumstances. And in the case of this third effort of Israeli/Russian outfit Zlye Kukly this certainly holds true.
The mostly slow, sparse and pretty simplistic compositions on this effort really doesn't contain any advanced elements whatsoever. The songs are mainly traditional in structure with verse and chorus parts and an instrumental passage somewhere after the midway point, there are few changes in style or sound within each individual effort and even when the soundscape gets some embellishments from extra instruments it is in a pretty simplistic fashion.
But boy those this album contain some stunning moments. With acoustic guitar and voice alone main man Fred Adra conjures up some truly captivating moods, and small touches from banjo, flute or violin have a stunning effect whenever used. Touches of folk music and symphonic rock adorn these efforts, and although most times very different in style the mood of this production made me think of US artist Phideaux's creation "Doomsday Afternoon" quite often - which is a good thing in my book.
A good album with many truly splendid moments.
01 Mad theater 02 Strange tomorrow 03 Blind man 04 We kept watch over time 05 He walks along the seashore 06 Legend 07 Teddy bear 08 Babylon is doomed 09 Star path 10 At the end of days