Fragile is a German band born in the late 90’s with Claire Hmill on vocalist who has worked on the albums of Steve Howe, Jon Anderson, Jon & Vangelis, and Wishbone Ash. Initially they dedicate themselves to proposing covers of the legendary YES, and then in 2020 they release their debut album “Golden Fragments” and on August 3, 2021 “Beyond.” Composed of 3 long tracks, this second album is a work with personal characters that fits into the context of the Symphonic Prog, confirming the good things heard in the debut. The album opens with the title track “Beyond” divided into 5 parts, and is also the longest in duration of the entire disc with over 21 minutes of music. The contaminations and references to YES are present, but the band is able to step out and create their own personal sound with a fresh and modern style. The first part is characterized by a percussive rhythm session and a choral cantato, and then develops a pulled and elaborated Prog theme with excellent interweaving of keyboards and guitars. The song immediately comes to life, full of tempo changes and high quality ideas that immediately immerse us in the pleasant sound atmospheres that the band offers. There is no predominant instrument, but all the artists involved collaborate in the success of the sound. The female vocal interprets the various phases of the suite well, with a warm and expressive singing enriched by the effects. The tempo changes are an added value and the solo interventions make the leap in quality to an already very technical and high level sound. A track that is very intense and engaging, managing in the various changes to pass from more drawn sections to more intricate ones, passing through more symphonic parts with ease. The mind returns to the golden years of the genre, and this is only the beginning of a journey inside a real jewel of modern Prog. The second track “Yours and Mine” also long lasting over 14 minutes is divided into three sections and presents a harsher aspect of their sound. Massive guitar riffs and excellent organ and synth phrasing on a rocky rhythm session open this second suite in style. The intricate keyboard melodies take us back to the 70s, but the band manages to bring the sound up to date, as well as express a respectable individual technique. The soft and enveloping vocal guides us on this journey, interspersing solo parts with other choirs. Here, too, more intense passages alternate with softer and more symphonic openings and the band in the long duration of the track manages to express all its value by accurately alternating sung parts and long instrumentals. The central section is very interesting with a more retro style mixed with the more modern ock, always accompanied by the melodious voice of the singer. Softer than the previous one but always very elaborate, this too is a successful and emotional track. Closes the album “The Golden Ring of Time” also over 14 minutes, which starts immediately strong with powerful keyboard melodies and a solid rhythmic session. The guitar is inserted with precise interventions and the keyboards immediately perform in a valuable solo, while the structure of the piece is constantly changing in pure Progressive style. Unlike the previous ones, this track is not divided into sections but is a long Prog lesson, well composed and performed. The keyboards are at the heart of the project and offer interesting duets with the guitar and engaging solos. the tempo changes are an added value as well as the quantity and quality of the sounds that come out of the keyboards, if we close our eyes it will seem to be in 1973, the golden year of Prog. The central part of the track alternates moments of maximum power with other more symphonic ones with also a cue close to classical music, that is to say there are all the ingredients that a Progger wants to hear in a record like this and this song closes the album with a flourish. A band that has had the ability to break away from the cover band label by creating its own sound always with references to the YES but very original Symphonic Prog. This album confirms the technical skills and compositional skills of this project, bringing our minds back to the golden years of Prog. A large amount of sounds that come out of the keyboards envelop us and communicate at best with the guitar and a rhythmic session in continuous evolution, a trademark of the genre. The voice is warm and emotional and adapts well to the various phases of the album, with very long songs proposed in the form of very well structured suites. All the artists involved have the right space and are able to express their qualities, creating an album that deserves to be listened to several times. The band manages to convey their passion for this musical genre at every step, really good at recreating the atmosphere of the 70s. A listening recommended to all lovers of progressive symphonic sounds with a massive dose of keyboards and long instrumental sections that enhance the technique of the musicians involved.
Tracklist
01. Beyond a) Sent Through The Morning b) Sharkflight c) Dawn d) The Other Side e) Flight (21:56)
02. Yours and Mine a) Like There’s no Tomorrow b) Diorama (14:26)
03. The Golden Ring of Time (14:09)
Lineup
Claire Hamill / Lead Vocals
Oliver Day / Guitars
Russ Wilson / Drums & Percussion
Max Hunt / Keyboards, Bass, Guitars, Percussion, Vocals
