In the ever-evolving landscape of progressive music, certain artists stand out for their rare ability to transcend genre boundaries while maintaining a distinctive sonic identity. Shmulikraut is one such artistic force, crafting music that seamlessly intertwines the Experimental strands of Avant-Garde Jazz and Progressive Rock influences into a cohesive and captivating narrative. “Guts Voyage” stands as a testament to their creative vision—a meticulously constructed journey through intricate musical territories that rewards both casual listeners and seasoned Progressive purists alike. The album opens with the expansive, atmospheric soundscapes of “Azykonu,” a composition that immediately establishes the band’s mastery of tension and release. The track unfolds through a carefully orchestrated crescendo, with each instrumental layer building upon the last to create a rich tapestry of sound, perfectly synchronized with the development of its central themes. From the outset, Shmulikraut reveals a unique approach to musical storytelling—an elegant blend of avant-garde sensibilities, Jazz Improvisation, and Progressive Rock architecture, enriched by subtle Oriental influences that lend an exotic hue to their unmistakable Avant-Prog identity. The instrumental interplay throughout “Azykonu” highlights the band’s technical prowess without ever sacrificing emotional resonance. Lush brass arrangements weave intricate patterns around sophisticated harmonic progressions, while the rhythm section lays down complex, shifting polyrhythms that keep the listener constantly engaged. This is music that demands active listening, inviting the audience into a refined sound world where musical exploration defies conventional expectations while remaining profoundly engaging. “Letaot” follows with a rhythmically driven energy, exemplifying the band’s ability to balance compositional complexity with immediate appeal. The track flows through a continuous evolution of musical ideas, transitioning from baroque-inspired passages to elaborate avant-prog explorations. Here, Shmulikraut demonstrates remarkable compositional craftsmanship, incorporating vocal textures that complement the music without overwhelming it, adding depth without detracting from the instrumental focus. Progressive rock incursions throughout “Letaot” amplify the listening experience, with masterful interplays between brass and electric guitar creating moments of genuine musical dialogue amidst shifting tempos and intricate phrasing. The piece serves as a perfect example of how the band reinterprets classic genre elements within a personal, modern framework—resulting in something that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshingly forward-thinking. “Tinoki” shifts the album’s direction towards Jazzier, Canterbury-influenced atmospheres, filtered through Shmulikraut’s distinct avant-prog lens. Continuous tempo shifts and dreamy, spacious sections alternate with more technical, virtuosic Jazz-inspired passages, generating dynamic contrasts that elevate the track to one of the album’s most compelling moments. This juxtaposition between complexity and introspection showcases the band’s compositional maturity and interpretative finesse. Brass and piano feature prominently in the various solo sections, creating instrumental dialogues that feel both spontaneous and intricately structured. These moments reflect the deeper narrative potential of Progressive Music—the ability to convey complex emotional textures through purely instrumental means, crafting an experience that transcends mere technical exhibitionism. “Hitgalute,” the album’s shortest track, acts as a two-minute intermezzo of piano, voice, and brass in a dreamlike arrangement, serving as a delicate bridge within the album’s overarching journey. This brief respite demonstrates the band’s nuanced sense of pacing, offering moments of contemplative beauty within an otherwise ambitious musical expedition. The three-part “Carsis” suite forms the album’s emotional and technical core—a bold statement encapsulating Shmulikraut’s full artistic breadth. “Carsis I” introduces a granite-solid, avant-prog identity, driven by powerful grooves and sophisticated arrangements. The piece builds towards an explosive fusion of Jazz and Avant-Garde Rock before transitioning into a purely experimental section that deconstructs musical expectations with fearless creativity. This architectural compositional approach—tension building, virtuosic release, and boundary-pushing abstraction—illustrates the band’s masterful narrative control. “Carsis II” seamlessly picks up the thread, introducing choral voices before navigating complex arrangements that explore the fringes of avant-prog and Rock in Opposition (R.I.O.) territories. Intricate polyrhythmic textures and continuous tempo modulations lead the composition through a constantly shifting musical landscape, culminating in lush, Jazz-infused Canterbury passages that feel both intellectually challenging and emotionally gratifying. Concluding the suite, “Carsis III” reveals the band’s most energetic and dynamic aspects, characterized by tight, driving grooves, layered keyboards, and expansive brass arrangements. The track evolves with relentless momentum, building towards a final, exhilarating crescendo—a fitting culmination for the album’s intricate journey. “Guts Voyage” emerges as a bold, multi-faceted statement, brimming with sophisticated musical ideas and rich, innovative arrangements. Shmulikraut’s successful fusion of vintage and modern sonorities showcases their technical mastery and compositional ambition, forging a bridge between generations within the broad spectrum of Progressive Music. From start to finish, the album radiates intensity, simultaneously satisfying listeners’ craving for experimentation while offering accessible entry points through memorable themes and dynamic structures. This is essential listening for aficionados of Avant-Garde Progressive Rock, with strong connections to Jazz Fusion, R.I.O., and the Experimental edges of the Canterbury Scene. With “Guts Voyage,” Shmulikraut has crafted far more than a simple album—they have delivered a profound artistic statement on the evolving language of progressive music, proving that technical brilliance and emotional depth can coexist in perfect balance. It stands as a remarkable achievement, one that reveals greater depths with every listen.
Tracklist
01. Azykonu (09:06)
02. Letaot (08:33)
03. Tinoki (06:50)
04. Hitgalute (02:08)
05. Carsis I (07:36)
06. Carsis II (06:57)
07. Carsis III (05:39)
Lineup
Gal Costa / Piano, Rhodes, Synthesizer, Vocals, Co-production
Mor Stanislav Porat / Bass, Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet, Percussion, Co-production
Lilla Ashuach / Flute, Vocals
Gilad Sirota / Drums
Rotem Yakobson Aharoni / Clarinet, Cello, Vocals
Shaul Luria / Guest Vocals in “Carsis III”
Madrich Levi / Glockenspiel & Celesta
Taftir band / Guest Bottles in “Tinoki”