Eve
(2001)
[CD - Cyclops Records Cycl 104 - 2001]
Karda
Estra is the work of one Richard Wileman, composer and multi-instrumentalist,
aided by a supporting cast of characters on strings, woodwinds
and voice. Eve, the group's third full-length release,
was inspired by the short novel The Future Eve, written
in 1886 by Villiers de L'Isle Adam. Rather than a strict adaptation
of the work, Eve serves more as Wileman's attempt to
"explore the work's atmosphere, tragedy and sense of misguided
ambition." With this in mind, it's clear that he has succeeded
in his intent.
Karda Estra's
music has more in common with a small chamber orchestra rather
than a rock band, a trait clearly noticeable in the ability
to craft subtle works with great thematic movement. It seems
that a good portion of the group's sound is a unique influence
of romantic classicism filtered through the progressive likes
of Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett. Indeed, elements of the
guitarists' debut albums (Geese and the Ghost and Voyage
of the Acolyte, respectively) bear similarities in the work
of Karda Estra; the lithe sentiment and occasional Edwardian
flourish of one, and the searching, ominous mysticism of the
other. Wileman's acoustic guitar work is often the backbone
of the pieces, creating a solid reinforcement for the intricate
layers weaved upon it. The symphonic quality of the work is
prevalent in the large roll played by strings and winds, yet
there is a restrained quality which often reflects a delicate
melancholy. Haunting oboe passages dance with angelic vocalizations
while lilting piano melodies give way to ascendant string flourishes.
In this current
musical climate of rehashing and regurgitation, it's refreshing
to stumble upon something that seems to exist on a different
plane, and Karda Estra's take on impressionistic orchestration
is just that. Encompassing the dynamic range from delicate to
dissonant, Eve succeeds admirably in painting the beautiful,
yearning Victorian atmosphere of its chosen subject.
- Mike Prete
[May 2003]
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Here for Tracklist and Lineup Info
Constellations
(2003)
[CD - Cyclops Records Cycl 130 - 2003]
Kadra Estra’s most recent release, Constellations, is a
clear departure from the neo-prog and AOR generally propogated
by its label, Cyclops. Indeed, the group (essentially one Richard
Wileman) crafts what is actually a very unique sound. With minimal
percussion and grandiose, arching melodies, Karda Estra play a
sort of chamber symphonic rock, though the “rock” part of the
equation is certainly the least emphasized. This is not a bad
thing however, as the music takes on a full, cinematic quality,
like that of a particularly brooding film soundtrack.
The varied instrumentation
and diverse influences keep things from being campy, as oboe,
violin and cello coalesce with Hackett-like guitar lines and
layers of tasteful synths in carefully executed, moody themes.
As well, there is enough variation between the pieces to keep
things from becoming redundant. While most of the music takes
its cues from heavily melodic symphonic prog, particularly the
solo work of Steve Hackett and perhaps Anthony Phillips, my
favorite piece is probably “Hydra,” with darker, sinister themes
that stand in contrast to the rest of the record, and chromatic
playing that reminds of latter-day Art Zoyd. “Cassiopeia” follows
that with an exotic oboe melody that would fit well on one of
the classic Between records, and “Scorpio,” another highlight,
features a great mid-section, with another stunning oboe theme
over a relatively up-tempo, waltzing rhythm. Of interest to
Hackett fans is a well executed cover of “Twice Around the Sun”
(from the Darktown album), which closes out the album.
Another pleasant
surprise was the female vocals, sounding not unlike the “Northettes”
from the Hatfield albums. Of course, the context is entirely
different here, but the vocals nonetheless provide some wonderful,
ethereal textures. The only real caveat with Constellations
is that the album may tend to fall into the background without
attentive listening, but otherwise, this is a strong release.
-
Greg Northrup [April 2003]
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Here for Tracklist and Lineup Info
