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ALGENIA
PI XPRNC
2008, VENEZUELA - EURO 9.00
Label: MUSEA
ALBUM REVIEW
Women always found a place in the Progressive rock world. RENAISSANCE with stunning vocalist Annie HASLAM probably was a major illustration of this. Nowadays, there is Japanese power-trio ARS NOVA, as an exception proving the rule. But even on stage, female musicians rarely called the tune. Until PI XPRNC. This young Venezuelan outfit is led by Karen GONZALEZ, whose voice is quite remarkable. It's even hard to believe that she is not a native English speaker. If you have a closer look at this point, you may realize that she is also a guitarist and a keyboards player ! And a skilful one, moreover. Besides, she is the sole composer of a band where men form the majority. What about their music then? Imagine post-rock with heavy-metal and Crimsonian riffs, efficient drums parts, dynamic percussions and a wrapping bass sound. Melancholic or introspective at times, the atmospheres may evolve anytime into a release of energy with total control. Released on the Musea label, the debut album Algenia (2008) may sometimes remind of KING CRIMSON, TOOL or OXYGENE 8. The latter being another female-led outfit! But anyway, may there be a woman or not, PI XPRNC is a true talent, a discovery that is bound to overcome indifference. (Musea)
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