Lugu (Mess, 1995)

First things first: Mess is just the name Sven Grünberg, a talented Estonian composer and performer, chose to release in 1995 a selection of his old recordings, actually dating fron the late '70s. So, the title of tis post is twice misleading, but I hope you'll forgive me. I love this track, called "Lugu" (that's to say "Story") and almost all the other tracks in the above mentioned compilation album, "Sven Grünberg's Proge Rock Group Mess".

An excellent album and a precious document for prog history.

It's an acid, even sharp instrumental, somewhere between space rock and prog. It takes me away, so far away from the mundane life, in a tridimensional, shining world, both relaxing and exciting. Please don't forget such a track was created in the Soviet Union cold war era, not exactly the most hospitable place and time for experimental rock. Another good reason to listen and appreciate this brilliant piece of music and to discover its author.

Sümfoonia Seitsmele Esitajale (In Spe, 1983)

During the '80s, just a few bands wrote uncompromising and beautiful symphonic rock like this Estonian banddid with "Sümfoonia Seitsmele Esitajale". Its leader Erkki-Sven Tüür abandoned his own musical creature after the release of its first self titled album to start a new career as a classical composer. This opening suite in three movements (Ostium, Illuminatio and Mare Vitreum) surely is his most important addition to prog rock history. Its title means "Symphony for Seven Performers" and the whole track actually sounds as chamber rock, featuring three different moods.

After E.S.Tüür's abandon, "In Spe" also released a second LP.

The first one is based on electronic keyboards - played by E.S. Tüür himself - and is the most experimental one. Illuminatio flows quieter on the classical side, mixing traditional instruments and some discreet synths. The final section probably is my favourite one. It includes both rock and classical sounds, ranging from delicate interplays to majestic musical waves, with a pinch of folk inside. Many changes, many sounds and many instruments grace this suite, along with well found melodies. That's why I hope my prog friend will appreciate this composition as much as I did.