Real (Ephrat, 2008)

Ephrat are a very interesting Israeli band, also known for their opening act to Dream Theater's 2009 show in Israel, and they play a dinamic and varied prog rock, melting classic prog, well found melodies, electronic music and hard rock elements. They take their name from their leader Omer Ephrat's surname, but they're more than Omer's brainchild. This song, taken fron their debut album "No One's Words", is a 18 minutes epic, full of changes in both mood and tempo. You'll find in it all,the above elements and much more. 

This album was released by InsideOut label and featured guest musicians as

 Petronella Nettermalm (Paatos) and Daniel Gildenglow (Pain of Salvation).

Ephrat's eclectic approach to prog is highly enjoyable as composition is always the central part of the band's musical blend. "Real" includes welcome references to the sound of such iconic bands as Pink Floyd and Beatles, but also a touch of world music and even horns. Rich as it can be, this song keeps its own coherence and each musician knows how to enrich the plot and never get too showy. Last but not least, Steven Wilson's mix adds a special brilliance to the sound I surely appreciate.