This week the Concert Closet stops in Rome to check in with Karmamoi, who refer to themselves simply as a progressive rock band. Not like the Italians to be humble, introverted, or understated, so already my attention has been grabbed...
Karmamoi has three full length albums and an EP in their current catalog and their latest release "The Day Is Done" is due in May. Like many bands in the "modern era," Karmamoi is taking a less traditional approach to making this album a reality; reaching out directly to you the fans/listeners. More about that later, time to start in on the prog feast...
Looking over all the offerings Karmamoi has out there now, I start with a slice of "Nashira." In typical Italian prog style the music saunters across most of the prog garden with a focus on the brighter, more ornate sections. Mood and tempo changes are as common here as mosquitoes at a summer picnic; so many and from all directions. A strong foundation built on splendid piano and solid drum work allows for vocals smooth as softened butter to coat your inner ear...the week is shaping up quite nicely...
Liner Notes...Coming to be in 2008, Karmamoi is officially a two-man operation with Alex Massari on guitar and Daniele Giovannoni sitting behind the drum kit and playing keyboards; the founding duo splits time between London and Rome. Karmamoi has several alumni that have left for various reasons and they list several guest musicians on their album credits; the woman with the killer pipes on "Nashira" is Sara Rinaldi for the curious among you...
About that reaching out to the fans thing; you can pre-order the new release "The Day Is Done" at
www.pledgemusic.com/projects/karmamoinewalbum. There are different packages you can
pre-order with some cool options. Or you can simply go to Karmamoi to learn about the band. You can purchase albums currently in their catalog at Karmamoi bandcamp. Check out all their music and all things Karmamoi at Karmamoi Soundcloud and Karmamoi FB. If that doesn't slate your thirst there is also Twitter @karmamoirock .
One more serving from the Karmamoi buffet; "If I Think Of The Sea." The song is very ethereal as it opens with another incredible vocal performance...this time Serena Ciacci is the captivating siren. Aromatics of Bent Knee waft through the room--which is crazy since Karmamoi recorded this gem first. The song soothes your nerves as it arouses your senses...even the drums crash around you gently...
This week a bit of a twist; yes I have a clip to whet your appetite...but...it's just a teaser from the new album. Get an idea of what Daniele and Alex are up to as you listen to a waltz across the prog garden on electrified feet...walk tall, hold on, and wait for the drums to release the pressure...
One more week comes to a crashing halt fellow progheads. Karmamoi is that sparkling gem laid bare as the sun shines brightly on the prog garden, glinting off the soft stones in the soil. Bask in the glow that burns through the dark clouds raining down a color storm on a streaked prog canvas.
Progressive music casts a wider net these days it seems; some say too wide. I, on the other hand, say that perhaps it isn't wide enough--there is always someone out there looking to push the envelope, skirt the edge, and look through a different lens. It is for them the search for all things prog continues...until next time...
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