Record Reviews

AHVAK ~ AHVAK CUNEIFORM 185 (Barcode: 045775018522) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004 1st album by the first Israeli RIO band AhvakFind albums by this artist. During his recent stay in the country Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (5uu`sFind albums by this artist, etc.) gathered around him some of Israel`s most advanturous players and this is the result of their cooperation. Worldwide reception of this album was enthusiastic and critics and fans alike see it as a prime example of excellence in the genre. It smokes!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ ABANDONSHIP CUNEIFORM 158 (Barcode: 045775015828) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2002 6th album featuring again a completely revamped version of the group consisting mostly of young Israeli musicians and recorded in Israel, where Kerman resides now. Only the vocal parts were done by Thinking Plague singer Deborah Perry. Kerman proves again that he`s one of the most important figures in contemporary music and the music is as beautiful as ever.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ CRISIS IN CLAY RER 5UU2 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 4th album from 1997 with the same lineup as the previous one. Yet another masterly executed musical experience with artistic and intellectual approach so rare among other 90`s musicians. Sadly under-appreciated and under-exposed, this is some of the best 20th century music.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ HUNGER`S TEETH RER 5UU1 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 3rd album from 1994 by the reformed 5uu`s and with Bob Drake on vocals. Another masterpiece, as expected, with a clear direction showing the development of the music into the 90`s with modern sound and usage of electronics.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ POINT OF VIEWS CUNEIFORM 085 (Barcode: 045775008523) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 1996 One of the leaders of the RIO movement, drummer Dave KermanFind albums by this artist and his group 5uu`sFind albums by this artist are one of the finest representatives of this stream. This CD is a reissue of their first 2 albums: `Bel Marduk & Tiamat` from 1984 and `Elements` from 1986 and even some additional material. Absolutely essential listening.

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	DAVE KERMAN / 5UU`S ~ REGARDING PURGATORIES CUNEIFORM 135 (Barcode: 045775013527) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 5th album from 2000 featuring a completely revamped version of the group and sounding better and more interesting then ever. It marks the 3rd incarnation of the band and a fresher, more edgy sound and direction, amazing as always. A modern masterpiece.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

THINKING PLAGUE ~ A HISTORY OF MADNESS CUNEIFORM 180 (Barcode: 045775018027) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 5th album by Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist. As usual this brilliant experimental group led by Mike JohnsonFind albums by this artist on guitars (& such) created a masterpiece of modern music which is impossible to describe, but an immense pleasure to listen to. Deborah PerryFind albums by this artist on vocals is magnetic as always and Dave KermanFind albums by this artist adds some percussion work recorded in Israel via the Net. Fans of RIO and their earlier work will not be disappointed.

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THINKING PLAGUE ~ IN EXTREMIS CUNEIFORM 113 (Barcode: 045775011325) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 4th album by Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist. Greatly anticipated by fans and critics alike, this version of the group also includes Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (5uu`sFind albums by this artist) and produces a superb body of work which is well composed and strongly structured, yet intelligent and demanding. Some familiar elements of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, Henry CowFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist are there, but mostly it`s their unique blend that makes things happen.

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THINKING PLAGUE ~ UPON BOTH YOUR HOUSES NEARFEST 0004 (Barcode: 829155000426) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2004 US RIO act, Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist, have been responsible for producing some of the most interesting music since the mid-1980s, recording superb albums once every few years. Always on the forefront of new musical developments the group shuns any conventions and is always full of wonderful surprises. This album is the first live recording by the group, caught at the Nearfest Festival in 2000. Expanded to a sextet, with leader Mike JohnsonFind albums by this artist (guitar), Mark HarrisFind albums by this artist (reeds), Matt MitchellFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Dave WilleyFind albums by this artist (bass), Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (drums) and fronted by the wonderful vocalist Deborah PerryFind albums by this artist they deliver some amazing music, which includes some material previously released on their albums and new stuff previously unheard. This is some of the best contemporary Prog and a joy to listen to with never a dull moment in sight. Definitely a must for RIO fans and highly recommended for every Prog enthusiast, able to move beyond the Symphonic basics.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

U TOTEM ~ U TOTEM CUNEIFORM 024 (Barcode: 045775002422) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1990 Released: 1990 1st album by U TotemFind albums by this artist. This group is a combination of 2 other well established avantgarde ensembles: 5uu`sFind albums by this artist (see Dave KermanFind albums by this artist) and Motor Totemist GuildFind albums by this artist. This pairing has brought out the best parts of both bands, combining the abstraction and lyricism of the 5uu`s with the classical control of the MTG. The members are all master musicians and the music is simply wonderful.

Updated: 18/03/2023Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend