Constellations

KardaEstra

Cyclops Records

UK 2003

Web:http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk

ProgRock music tends to have certain characteristics in common, while this can be endearing it can also create a mood where a lack of creativity looms. What is nice about KardaEstra, the musical project of Brit Richard Wileman is that it offers a new and unique interpretation of Prog which crosses over into ambient, classical and even scenic types of music. Constellations is a series of seven instrumental compositions, six are new while the last is a new interpretation of a Steve Hackett piece called twice around the sun. The compositions are haunting and at times seem more like modern classical pieces, while much of the music is “joyful” ambient to coin a phrase, I wouldn’t consider it new age. The quality of the recording is superb and the use of a wide range of instruments gives a depth to the music that is truly impressive. You certainly seem to hear more each time you listen to it, this ear to detail certainly makes these compositions stand out against the vast number of other ambient/ prog recordings.

Each piece is said to represent a different constellation, and it is this underlying theme which holds the whole CD together.