The band Data took advantage of the expanding technology that opened up the music world. Their music is a fascinating mix of prog and pop, though the unreleased tracks are more adventurous. There seems to be an underlying feel of Genesis here, well, more Tony Banks than anything. It is not a clone or anything near that, but listening to the unique music of Data one can sense the same high-skilled composition prowess that the Tiit Aunaste and Igor Garshnek duo have with people like Tony Banks.

Their only official release was the cassette Kõik läheb mööda {All Goes Along}, which featured some excellent and innovative music. Though often in concerts Tiit Aunaste provides vocals -- which are very interesting and unique -- throughout this cassette two excellent vocalists are present. First, for most of the songs, former Ruja front-man Urmas Alender provides his trademark vocals. In fact, most of the lyrics belong to him as well. The second is the so-called "Jon Anderson of Estonia" Hillar Norralt. If not careful, one may think it was indeed the Yes front-man singing in Estonian!

The first song, "Kui kaua" {How Far?} immediately defines the Data sound: the natural interaction between the keyboards of Igor Garshnek and programming of Tiit Aunaste. The song is a relaxed pop-prog with a feel close to Genesis during parts of Calling All Stations. One big difference is that the song featured the unmistakable voice of Alender, which balances emotions like no other.

That is followed by "Taevased ratsamehed" {Heavenly Riders}, a fast-paced song which immediately shows off a complex rhythm devised by Aunaste. Again, there is a strong pop vein to the song, but unmistakably prog. Again almost a Genesis feel to the song. Next is "Hoia mind nii" {Hold Me So} is a restrained and soft song, which is quite beautiful with Alender putting in a wonderful vocal performance. Excellent ballad.

Following that is "Viimne sõdur" {The Final Soldier} is a sharp poppish song, where the programming of Aunaste comes through well. The title track "Kõik läheb mööda" {All Goes Along} closes out side A. Immediately one hears vocalist Alender at his most emotional, which is impossible to rival in Estonian. An extremely beautiful ballad; though the music is more in the background to the singing of Alender, both Aunaste and Garshnek comes up with wonderful music that fits Alender's singing like a T.

Side B begins with the up-beat "Väljaulatuv nael" {Protruding Nail}. The keyboard solo and the music bit leading up to it is very catchy, following the trademark sound of Garshnek. Next song is "Koerakoonlased" {Dog-head Monsters} is a moody piece with some fascinating background programming by Aunaste. Alender goes into dialogue mode for parts of the story about the "koerakoondlased," which are dog-headed monsters in myths. Strange tune. This is followed by the incredibly catchy pop song "Sume suveaeg" {Hazy Summertime}. Excellent pop song, easy to sing along with. Cool music bits all over.

The next tune is a unique one on the recording, since it does not feature Alender on vocals. Instead, the unique vocals of Hillar Norralt takes a leading role. If one didn't know better, "Salajane tee" {Secret Way} was sung by Jon Anderson! Very unique voice and interesting song. It also features Kalle Vilpuu on guitars which livens up the music a bit. Good '80s prog, much like a good Yes song. It is uncanny.

After that is the soft instrumental "Ohe öös" {Sigh at Night}. A nice way to bring the project to a close. Finally, the cassette finishes with "Tuumavaba Eesti" {Nuclear-Free Estonia}. A different song, it begins with the roaring guitars of Mihkel Raud and features a much harder sound due to that guitar. The Alender protest song is catchy and it fits the time of the release very well with what was happening politically.

Overall, it is a very interesting release. Sadly Data did not release any other material officially, though the solo record by Igor Garshnek, Loomade Farm, featured Data. This cassette is almost impossible to find even in Estonia, which is a shame. It could generate a lot of interest elsewhere too.

Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
8 June 1999

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