Album review: ZENIT – The Chandrasekhar Limit

Galileo Records – [Released date: 28.1.2013]

Often the clue’s in the name isn’t it? ‘The Chandrasekhar Limit’ (a mathematical term regarding black holes) could only be progressive rock couldn’t it?

And not just any old progressive rock either – with one foot planted firmly in the retro Floyd / Genesis / Yes / (Fish era) Marillion camp and the other anchored in the neo-prog world of the likes of Riverside, Spock’s Beard and the Flower Kings, there is, as the old theatrical phrase goes, something for everybody.

It is probably the retro side of things that gives the album its overall feel, particularly the Fish / Gabriel vocal style of Lorenzo Sonognini, but it would be a mistake to think this is purely a paean to the Gods of yore.

Such is the quality of the musicianship and the sheer diversity of styles – coupled with a myriad of complex time signatures and an almost ‘world music’ vibe at times, it could easily be a template for all contemporary progressive bands.

Six tracks in all, and, with the exception of the disposable three minute Caravan / Nick Drake pastiche of ‘Cub Lady’, nothing is coming in at less than six minutes.

The whole album is really encapsulated by the 24 minute closer ‘The Daydream Suite’ where every facet of progressive rock music is thrown together in a swirling maelstrom of divergent creativity.

If that sounds pretentious I apologise, but nothing less would do.

Elsewhere there’s jazzy and samba rhythms, Indian sounds, choral interludes, searing rock guitar, delicate acoustic, swirling keys and even a few Sanskrit lyrics included to keep the interest sustained throughout.

Non-believers may find the music’s sheer complexity intimidating, but for all fans of classic progressive rock this is the album Genesis / Marillion / Pink Floyd never made and, as such, will be enjoyed immensely.

****

Review by Alan Jones

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