Refestramus is a band from the USA with Progressive Rock sounds contaminated by different genres and styles, composed of experienced musicians from other projects. The new album “Intouríst” was released on May 03, 2024 via Melodic Revolution Records and contains 11 tracks on the CD version, including 3 bonuses and a suite of over 11 minutes. Several artists participate in the record as guest artists. The opener “DMK” is a track of over seven minutes, characterised by an energetic and very technical sound that immediately brings to mind the sounds of the 70s. a fine interweaving of keyboards and distorted guitars over a solid and elaborate rhythm section, rich in tempo changes. The first part consists of a long instrumental section with keyboards as protagonists, while in the middle part a dynamic, retro-sounding vocal enters with refrains close to Hard Rock. In the finale, the guitar also offers a brief solo insert, before the vocals return for the last verses and close. The track’s theme is inspired by the zombie-themed cult 80s film “Night Of The Comet.” In tribute to the city that gives the title track “Asunción,” given the band’s success in Paraguay during live performances and beyond. A blend of Progressive Rock with both modern and retro contaminations, recalling the style of bands like YES. The lyrics are emotional, interpreted by a very involving choral singing at times. The keyboard cues are interesting, for a song with positive melodies and an energetic, engaging rhythm. “The Devil Returns” opens with a powerful organ and sax intertwining in the melodies, enhanced by a synth background. The rhythm section is solid and dark atmospheres permeate the track, alternating with symphonic openings and more intricate passages, in pure Progressive style. Also interesting and well-developed are the lyrics, which are a sort of confession on the part of the protagonist in search of redemption. The vocals are dynamic and incisive, while the continuous tempo changes and refined instrumental textures enrich the structure of the track, a real highlight of the album. We come to the title track “Intourist Suite,” an epic of over 11 minutes within which the band encapsulates all its essence by exploring the different facets that characterise its style. Symphonic prog at the opening, sophisticated melodies, long instrumental textures and tempo changes allow the track to develop through four parts. The first one is about resilience and is sung in Russian and enriched with viola melodies that give an orchestral touch to the solid Prog Rock sound. The second part tells of a surreal encounter between a tele-evangelist and a gargoyle demon, with a fine female vocal performance. The third and final section of the suite returns to the theme of zombies, with an electronic rhythm, showing an unprecedented facet of the band’s sound. An eclectic blend of Prog Rock and traits of American music characterises “Mr. Darwin,” whose lyrics humorously reflect on natural selection and human survival. The instrumental textures are very original, with blues guitars and a sweeping sound that makes us move and reflect at the same time. The solo inserts are very intense as are the dynamic and incisive vocal parts. The album’s shortest track “Side Hustle” is reminiscent of the folk prog sounds of bands like Jethro tull, thanks to the flute inserts. Granitic rock with fine melodies, synth inserts and the flute driving the sound, with dynamic and expressive choral singing. Purple opens “The Red Apple,” based on the story of the same name by Maxim Gorikiy. An intense and deep track that combines orchestral parts, pathos-laden vocals and the band’s personal style. The instrumental textures alternate with the vocals, with fine phrasing and keyboard solos, pompous orchestral parts that create a continuous crescendo in the sound. In the finale, a string solo takes the sound to a very high level. The more modern and electronic sounds of the rhythm section blend with piano and an intense vocal in the opening of “Smiling.” The sound evolves into a fresh and modern track with markedly personal and original traits, culminating in a crescendo in the second half where the band returns to more classical sounds. We are at the end of the album and it is the turn of the bonus track “Mr. Skin,” a cover of the band Spirit, interpreted with the band’s personal touch. A modern take on a classic, only available on the CD version of the album. The last two tracks, also bonuses, are the acoustic version of “The Red Apple,” with viola and guitar featured prominently. While the final track is the Spanish version of “Asunción,” in which only the lyrics, interpreted in the language spoken in the city to which the song is dedicated, change. A good listen that confirms the good things previously heard from this band, managing to express their own sound with original traits. The racklist is varied, always keeping the intensity at high levels and exploring the different facets that characterise the band’s style. A recommended listen for all lovers of the more modern sounds of Progressive music, with good keyboard cues, dynamic vocals and solid, elaborate rhythm sections.
Tracklist
01. DMK (07:32)
02. Asunción (03:46)
03. The Devil Returns (06:19)
04. Intourist Suite (a. Nevalyashka, b. Agent M. vs The Sex Lizard, c. Zombie Love) (11:30)
05. Mr. Darwin (04:01)
06. Side Hustle (02:34)
07. The Red Apple (03:33)
8. Smiling (05:00)
9. Mr. Skin (CD Only Bonus Track) (04:23)
10. The Red Apple (Acoustic) (Bonus) (03:31)
11. Asunción (Española) (Bonus) (03:49)
Lineup
Derek Ferguson / Drums
Jerry King / Bass
Derek Pavlic / Guitars, Mellotron and Viola
Rogelio Souza / Keys
Associated Artists:
Ian Beabout / Vocals on track 9, Flute on track 6
Nathan James / Vocals on track 6
Mitch Lawrence / Saxes on tracks 3, 6 and 9
NIDA / Vocals on tracks 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Craig Cairns / Vocals on tracks 1, 2, 3, 11
Dave Newhouse / Accordion on track 8
All words and music by Derek Ferguson, except CD track 9 (“Mr. Skin“) by Jay Ferguson
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