(8/10) If you combine musical craftsman's ship with a high level of emotional creativity you will get Toundra.
I have to say that I have missed the band till now. Toundra are from Madrid, Spain, and they are already around since 2007 when they released their debut; simply named "I". That the new album got the title "IV" shows, that Toundra has so far four records out on the market. To follow the logic, the other two records are "II" and "III".
The Madrilenians play prog rock without any vocals - so purely instrumental."IV" contains eight songs that, even though its an instrumental album, tell a story. It's about two foxes that need to escape from the forest due to a huge fire. This story gives of course room for individual interpretation and for Toundra it is a metaphor about humanity destroying the environment. So it's not only good music you get - it's also food for thoughts.
When it comes to the tracks, they are between 2 and 9 minutes long. The story starts with "Strelka". Singing birds introduce the song before a guitar joins in. The song reflects a very peaceful atmosphere before in the second half the sound gets harder and a kind of 'escaping' vibe takes over the scene. The nine minutes long "Qarqom" is coming next. The interplay between fragile silent parts and heavy prog rock is very well done. The song can keep the excitement from throughout the nine minutes and is a real listening experience.
This is just two out of the eight songs that are on the tracklist. But they represent Toundra very well. The band works with awesome melodies that creates a very special atmosphere. Their music creates picture.
The music of the Spanish band covers everything from melodic rock, prog metal and indie sounds. This opens Toundra's music also to a bigger audience.
"IV" became an inspiring prog album which shows, that storytelling doesn't necessarily need words and lyrics. Well done guys.
(8/10)
Tracklist:
- Strelka
- Qarqom
- Lluvia
- Belenos
- Vuesca
- Kitsune
- MRWING
- Oro rojo
Label: Superball
Genre: Prog Rock