Terragaia (Progressive promotion Records, 2014)
Belgian band is frequently associated with the Ozric Tentacles-style of psychedelic progressive rock style. Indeed, some of the more jam-oriented and electronic pieces as well as the artwork have Ozric Tentacles influence, but you will also find echoes of space rock band Eloy and a generous side of world music.
Terragaia is a trip throughout planet Earth. The first two cuts, ‘Journey to Earth’ and ‘Azu kéné dékké leppé’ are solidly in progressive rock territory with electric guitars and synths carrying most of the weight. ‘Azu kéné dékké leppé’ adds simulated marimba, giving it an exotic feel.
‘Desert Rush’ has a great interaction between the flute, guitar and synths playing Moorish-inspired melodies, accompanied by Middle Eastern drums.
The band turns its attention to the Celtic lands on ‘Aargh.’ It’s kind of a bizarre stereotypical piece with a traditional Irish beginning that morphs into galloping Celtic rock with the addition of bagpipes. They sound like electronic bagpipes, similar to the ones developed by Spanish musician Hevia.
‘Instant Karma’ has Indian influence in the form of melodies, emulated tabla and a great solo on simulated sitar. The second part of the piece progresses into electronic territory where the band shows its more innovative side.
On Track 6, ‘Chopsticks and Gongs,’ Quantum Fantay takes the listener to East Asia with a sound that feels like Eloy meets Chinese folk music.
The spaciest piece is ‘Indigofera,’ with ambient synths, soaring guitars and mysterious distant voices. Electronics and synths rule here, making it one of the best cuts on the album.
The band’s global voyage takes the listener to Jamaica on ‘Yah Roste Fooroap’ with a great dub reggae that will please fans of the genre.
Track 9 is wacky composition titled ‘Cowdians’ that begins with new agey Native American-style flute and later turns into cheesy American country guitar and banjo music. Maybe Quentin Tarantino would like it.
The album ends with ‘Journey from Earth’ where Quantum Fantay returns to progressive rock with a mix of epic symphonic rock and space rock.
The lineup on Terragaia includes Pete Mush on synths and programming; Jaro on bass, jembe, didgeridoo, harmonica, throat singing; Gino Bartolini on drums, jembe and other percussion; and Dario Frodo on guitars. Guests include Anaisy Gomez from Anima Mundi on bagpipe and ocarina; Charles Sla on flute; Nele Casneuí on harp; Tom Tas on acoustic guitar; and Joachim Wannyn on banjo.
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