Nuno Published on: 31 May 2004
Even if I am not as complimentary about this album as my fellow reviewers
in ProGGnosis,
still I agree that the debut album by Japanese Kalo is set to satisfy
a large fringe of progsters out there,
mainly those who rejoice over good Symphonic Art-Rock albums.
Spiral Dreams presents us music that spirals around the guitar and keyboard
work of Masahiro Uemura.
He is well accompanied in the rhythmic section and on the 3 vocalized tracks here, but the music is
really set and developed by his guitar soloing (like on track one) and
his keyboard efficiency (including
lots of Mellotron basing tapestries).
The music is tremendously melodic, sometimes achieving a somehow harder
status, but without ever
leaving a very ear-friendly condition. Bands like Magdalena and very slight
hints of Renaissance are to
be found here, but the music stands pretty much on its own, making this band a refreshing add in
contemporary Japanese progressive scene for if that scene has been most
prolific in fusion and (lately)
canterburian sounding bands, a good melodic sympho one is nice to complement
the wideness of
Japanese Prog.
Spiral Dreams by Kalo is, therefore, an album to play when calm is necessary or when you travel with
your non-proghead companion, for it does serve as a swell introduction
of progressive rock to a non
believer.
It is neither over pretentious, nor does it present excessive complex
arrangements, but complies
harmony and melody like not that many prog albums nowadays.
Maya Published on: 23 Apr 2004
If you are searching for your favourite dream in 'paradise valley'; then Sprial Dreams offered by Kalo
may fill your needs. Spiral Dreams is a deeply symphonic and completely
romantic work by this
Japanese band which I have listened to this many times with the same result
- the more i play it the
more i find it awesome in its pure untouched romance.
Kalo's debut CD could not have a better title than Spiral Dreams. This is music that is easy to
understand, never pressured or forced, just highly melodic searching the top of pureness.
I honestly thought my off-the-wall musical tastes wouldn't take to such
a 'pure' album as I am more
oriented to weird and dissonant sounds, but Kalo's album is killin' me softly everytime i play it.
Spiral Dreams gives me a nice feeling of peace and tranquility and I cannot
agree with DBSilver's view
that the music leaves the listener hungry. In fact I feel just the opposite.
I have to take half an hour break before putting something else on in
order not to ruin that delicate
feeling this CD causes me to feel.
DBSilver Published on: 22 Apr 2004
Can an album be too beautifully symphonic? If this is possible - Kalo are a defining example.
The debut album "Sprial Dreams" is about as symphonically melodic
as music can be.
The guitar work is absolutely incredible in it's beauty and sonority.
The vocals of Miori Naritomi are the equal of the best in the rich history of symphonic progressive women.
On these qualities alone - I can place this among the most pretty symphonic prog albums I have ever heard.
There is a rub however. The beauty is relentless - and all is so gentle
that there are few if any moments
filled with musical tension and release. The result is that this album
has the body of a New Age recording.
That is - it is not filling - and can leave the listener hungry.
What a very strange way to react to an album. On half a dozen listens I call this a beautiful symphonic
progressive album with great guitar work and wonderful female vocals while
on the other hand I also find it
to be to lacking in passion. After playing this album I always want to
put on something with more bite.
Magdalena and Vangelis sprinkled with perhaps a touch of Renaissance serve
as good reference points for
this album.
There are some specific highlights - A Voice In Blue and Sunsets and all
of Spiral Dreams is in fact a
great album to play - (I have been and continue to play it often). When
track 8 is reached Into Existensce
delivers a fusion like track that gives the listener a break from all the sugar and to a lesser extent so does
the progressive track Sensitive Air.
Without reservations I can comfortably recommend it to symphonic progressive
fans and I would certainly
consider it to be among the best debut releases by a band for this (or
most any) year.
Fans will no doubt find that Kalo's Spriral Dream is worth the investment.
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