Estonian
progressive group with a very long story. Formed in 1978 by keyboardist and composer Igor Garšnek, they playing symphonic progressive rock with elements of Estonian folk in the vein of In Spe, gigged actively, but never released a recording before 1985; maybe they had a big problems with issuing albums under soviet occupation and censorship, or some other problems. The group had many personal changes; in 1983-85 the band's core was Igor Garšnek, guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Nevil Blumberg and bassist Raul Vaigla -- also members of famous fusion band Radar. Other musicians came and left very fast and the group never really had a permanent line-up.
In 1985
keyboardist Igor Garšnek and multi-instrumentalist Nevil Blumberg (guitars, keyboards, drums, percussion, programming) recorded one album with a few guest musicians. An unusual mix of electronic music, symphonic progressive and space-fusion with strong influence of Estonian folk music was created by only two musicians, along with guest Valdeko Puulinn, who added some wonderful recorder parts, and ex-bassist Raul Vaigla, who played on a jazzy tune called "Loneliness."The music
changes from quiet, mysterious and slightly dark electronic soundscapes (such as on "Grotto" or "Romantic Ballad") to hard, energetic, guitar-oriented compositions (such as "The Snake King" and "Mask"). One short track, "The Minstrel," remind me of Mike Oldfield's "Five Miles Out" (folky guitar and recorders) without poppy elements! The musicianship is superb, especially unique is Blumberg's guitar playing. The music may be compared to Ozric Tentacles, but Synopsis more melancholic and less aggressive. No vocals there, all the pieces are instrumental. This is not really a Synopsis (a full-band) album, but absolutely fine and amazing music! Don't confuse them with French band of the same name! :-)Ilya Prutov
Russia
17 September 2000
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