The Russian band Vespero with his fifth album Foam offers us a fine mix of psychedelic, kraut and, at times, progressive rock, where the plaintive voice of Natalia Tjurina is used almost like a musical instrument. Her lamentations creates an obsessive atmosphere when combined with the other instruments, the percussion and the electronics effects. The music is like a shaman incantation and its tonality sounds a little like middle oriental ethnic music (maybe it is the traditional music of this part of Russia?). The tracks are sufficiently long (4 to 11 minutes range) to appreciate and immerse ourselves in the music. The result is a very convincing and mesmerizing album. I can't comment on the lyrics since my Russian does not go farther than Niet!
The pieces of this opus seem to be sown together and be, in reality, one long track. This created an impression of improvisation around a theme, of a free flowing performance in the best psychedelic tradition. It is not surprising since this album was recorded live at a concert in Astrakhan in Southern Russia (there are however no recorded trace of a listening public on this CD). The ambiance they achieved transcends kraut rock even if this style dominates this CD. Therefore, the main thing about this project is the great cerebral effect it may provoke if you are found of mind blowing and mantric music. It may be seen also as a blending of Russian folk music and kraut rock.
The first thing that caught my attention was the orange color of the jacket cover. The representation of a seaboard is beautiful and suggests a repetitious structure like the waves crashing on the shore, but modulated by human structures. We also clearly see the foam of the album title.
Ouverture set immediately the tone of this project and is in the best kraut rock tradition. The guitar and the percussion made me think among others of Faust. The heavy electronic component is also a defining characteristic of their music.
Instruments of the Road is quiet and lead us superbly on the shore of some alien landscape. By certain effects (and believe me the electronics is omni present), it reminds me of old Hawkwind. It has a spiralling quality and the singing of Miss Tjurina adds a folk resonance. It is one of my favourite.
Figures continues the voyage in the same general direction, like a logical following, heavily laced with space music effects and the languishing voice of Natalia.
Foam, the title track, has a folk rhythm and tone. It is like visiting another town, but in the same country. Hence, there is continuity in the ambiance. It is the longest track and the most trance like.
Skat, the shortest piece of the album, is almost a departure from the preceding tracks. It is in the same spirit, but it is more fun and nearer classic space rock. It has touched me deeper than the rest of their composition, but I'm at a loss to explain why; maybe it is less ethnic music oriented (DGMW, I like ethnic music in general).
Float has an almost jazz beginning in that kraut rock guise of theirs. It is a very good piece to close this interesting project.
I have listened to it many times and it is better with each listen. I recommend it for lovers of the genre. It will be a fine addition to your collection. But the most interesting is what is to come. I'm very curious to hear it.
