Though
not as well known as many of the band projects out there, this is one of the gems of Estonian progressive rock. This conceptual album by keyboard whiz Igor Garshnek was recorded and released at a very appropriate time: 1990. At the same time, Estonia was in the process of breaking away from Moscow and restoring its independence. Two issues central to this project was the restored freedoms of expression and freedom from censorship. The famous George Orwell novel, Animal Farm, was one of many books banned during the Soviet days. Looking at the subject matter it was pretty obvious why the totalitarian masters over Estonia wanted it banned.
But then
using the words of Orwell (in Estonian), Garshnek created the concept piece with the same title, Loomade Farm (Animal Farm). As he wrote himself on the liner notes:"Although completed in 1946, it has not lost its topicality even at present, because if AIDS has been called the plague of the 20th century, then totalitarianism is the cholera of this century. And similar to AIDS no final vaccine has been found for totalitarianism yet."
This was
one of Garshnek's biggest project after the break-up of prog giant Ruja. However, the vocal duties were performed by old colleague from Ruja, Urmas Alender. Well-known rock guitarist Mihkel Raud (who is today still a well-known guitarist, as well as TV presenter and music critic) inserted some vital parts to the music. Though a little distracting at times, the rest comes from the programming skills of Tiit Aunaste. The music is on the catchy side, with some hints of pop throughout. You'll be whistling the themes in no time!The opus
begins with the two-part "Proloog" (Prologue). It starts with a spirited keyboard-driven which Ruja fans would immediately notice as that from Garshnek. It soon segues into the second part, which the unmistakable voice of Urmas Alender brings the book to life. The second song, "Kuldi kõne" {The Boar's Speech} is another Ruja-like song from the mid-1980's, pop-prog in origin.Then it
proceeds to the unique "Loomariigi hümn" {The Anthem of the Animal Nation} which immediately hits the theme of the Orwell book. Behind the chorus (named Olevine and conducted by Vello Rand) is some wonderfully creative keyboard work by Garshnek. The short song soon goes into the equally interesting "Suur animalistlik juunirevolutsioon" {The Great Animalistic June Revolution}. It also plays off the theme of the book, with some aggressive vocals from Alender.That is followed
by "Loovtöö laul" {Song of Creative Work} has a poppish sound to it, but immediately you notice how vocalist Alender switches characters so smoothly. He now switches to a softer voice which sounds perfectly natural as well. Then "Ränk paljastus" {A Grave Exposure} again features a great character change for Alender, accompanied by some great programming work by Aunaste. The latter part of the song shifts gear again and brings back the chorus and ends on a quiet note.This makes
sense in the days of the LP, since the second side begins with the unique "Ood Napoleonile" {Ode to Napoleon} which rekindles some of the unique playing from the middle of the first side. The chorus again plays a strong role here, with Garshnek's keyboards running whimsically in the background. Then comes the rather hard-rock opening of "Manifest" lead by Mihkel Raud's guitar and the solidly angry vocals from Alender. The song also features a very uniquely Garshnek keyboard solo, and a cool tail section."Neli jalga hea - kaks jalga parem"
{Four Legs Good - Two Legs Better} is a nice but rather moody ballad, which features some emotional vocals by Alender. Mihkel Raud provides some nice guitar fills throughout, while the chorus again accompanies the voice of Alender so well. Then it proceeds into the catchy "Nii läheb elu edasi" {Life Goes On} which has a really catchy tune based on the keyboards of Garshnek. Urmas Alender's vocals are just as catchy and interesting."Vabaduse rock"
{Rock of Freedom} is a farcical rock song, which shows the humour side of Garshnek and Alender. Despite it being a fun rock song, the organ solo is pretty cool too. The whole opus finishes with "Täitsa lõpp" {What an End}, which is a dark and dramatic piece. Ending just like the story, the song brings out some dark and powerful emotions from the vocals of Alender. It is a very moody piece with some fantastic instrumental scattered in the background. A unique way to end the song, as the title suggests.Though
at the time it suffered from poor production, the music in whole is nevertheless one of the most interesting bits of Estonian progressive rock around. Even if you are not familiar with the Orwell work (in English or Estonian), the music and theme is nevertheless obvious from the music. One of the craftiest bit of composing I've heard. Let's hope this gets remastered and put on CD soon!Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
1 June 1999
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