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Eve (2001)
The third Karda Estra album Eve continues Richard Wileman`s unique exploration of progressive and classical stylings using both modern and orchestral instruments. Inspired by the story `The Future Eve` (written by Villiers de L`Isle Adam) the CD evokes symphonic rock and classical elements full of haunting beauty and dynamics.
Classical and electric guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, classical elements, big sounds, haunting and melancholic melodies, ethereal multiple femme backing voices courtesy of Ileesha Bailey and always plenty of great and imaginative ideas.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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Eve
Karda Estra is the work of one Richard Wileman, composer and multi-instrumentalist, aided by a supporting cast of characters on strings, woodwinds and voice. Eve, the group`s third full-length release, was inspired by the short novel The Future Eve, written in 1886 by Villiers de L`Isle Adam. Rather than a strict adaptation of the work, Eve serves more as Wileman`s attempt to "explore the work`s atmosphere, tragedy and sense of misguided ambition." With this in mind, it`s clear that he has succeeded in his intent.
Karda Estra`s music has more in common with a small chamber orchestra rather than a rock band, a trait clearly noticeable in the ability to craft subtle works with great thematic movement. It seems that a good portion of the group`s sound is a unique influence of romantic classicism filtered through the progressive likes of Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett. Indeed, elements of the guitarists` debut albums (Geese and the Ghost and Voyage of the Acolyte, respectively) bear similarities in the work of Karda Estra; the lithe sentiment and occasional Edwardian flourish of one, and the searching, ominous mysticism of the other. Wileman`s acoustic guitar work is often the backbone of the pieces, creating a solid reinforcement for the intricate layers weaved upon it. The symphonic quality of the work is prevalent in the large roll played by strings and winds, yet there is a restrained quality which often reflects a delicate melancholy. Haunting oboe passages dance with angelic vocalizations while lilting piano melodies give way to ascendant string flourishes.
In this current musical climate of rehashing and regurgitation, it`s refreshing to stumble upon something that seems to exist on a different plane, and Karda Estra`s take on impressionistic orchestration is just that. Encompassing the dynamic range from delicate to dissonant, Eve succeeds admirably in painting the beautiful, yearning Victorian atmosphere of its chosen subject. - Mike Prete [May 2003]
http://www.progweed.net/reviews/kardaestra/kardaestra-band.html#eve
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Constellations (2003)
Karda Estra`s new album continues Richard Wileman`s unique exploration of progressive and classical styles. Centered around a haunting and powerful suite inspired by six Constellations, the album concludes with a beautiful interpretation of the STEVE HACKETT instrumental, `Twice Around The Sun.`
The suite runs a vast emotional range, from gentle melancholy passages featuring classical guitar and woodwind to huge, expansive bursts of sound and colour. Classical instrumentation and beautiful female harmony vox mix with electric guitars/bass/keys/drums, bound together by beautiful production ideas and great, progressive arrangements.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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Constellations
Karda Estra`s most recent release, Constellations, is a clear departure from the neo-prog and AOR generally propogated by its label, Cyclops. Indeed, the group (essentially one Richard Wileman) crafts what is actually a very unique sound. With minimal percussion and grandiose, arching melodies, Karda Estra play a sort of chamber symphonic rock, though the `rock` part of the equation is certainly the least emphasized. This is not a bad thing however, as the music takes on a full, cinematic quality, like that of a particularly brooding film soundtrack.
The varied instrumentation and diverse influences keep things from being campy, as oboe, violin and cello coalesce with Hackett-like guitar lines and layers of tasteful synths in carefully executed, moody themes. As well, there is enough variation between the pieces to keep things from becoming redundant. While most of the music takes its cues from heavily melodic symphonic prog, particularly the solo work of Steve Hackett and perhaps Anthony Phillips, my favorite piece is probably `Hydra`, with darker, sinister themes that stand in contrast to the rest of the record, and chromatic playing that reminds of latter-day Art Zoyd.
`Cassiopeia` follows that with an exotic oboe melody that would fit well on one of the classic Between records, and `Scorpio`, another highlight, features a great mid-section, with another stunning oboe theme over a relatively up-tempo, waltzing rhythm. Of interest to Hackett fans is a well executed cover of `Twice Around the Sun`(from the Darktown album), which closes out the album.
Another pleasant surprise was the female vocals, sounding not unlike the Northettes from the Hatfield albums. Of course, the context is entirely different here, but the vocals nonetheless provide some wonderful, ethereal textures. The only real caveat with Constellations is that the album may tend to fall into the background without attentive listening, but otherwise, this is a strong release. - Greg Northrup [April 2003]
http://www.progweed.net/reviews/kardaestra/kardaestra-band.html#constellations
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Voivode Dracula (2004)
This new concept album continues Karda Estra`s unique exploration of progressive and classical styles. Based around the legend of the Dracula story, the music is a little darker than his previous work.
The classical sounds and colours are blended with the bass and guitar work, and, together with the more rhythmic percussion, give greater depth to Karda Estra`s trademark sound. In this work the female voice is used as an ethereal instrument adding a haunting edge to the sound.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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Alternate History (2004)
This specially low priced sampler has been created as a taster for those who have not heard this critically acclaimed, classically inspired, progressive group. The creative mastermind behind Karda Estra is Richard Wileman who plays keyboards and both electric and acoustic guitars over a backdrop of strings and woodwind. Onto these layers there is often the use of a female voice used as an ethereal instrument.
The track selection on this album comes from his seven previous albums and also three previously unreleased tracks. By adding these new tracks Karda Estra are providing something extra for their existing fans who would buy the release anyway. For those new to the band it is a great way to explore Karda Estra`s unique exploration of the boundaries between progressive and classical styles at a great price.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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Lives and Times - There and Back Again Lane (1995)
There and Back Again Lane is the sixth album from English band Lives and Times. It combines the soaring vocals of Lorna Cumberland with the dark soundscapes of musician Richard Wileman. Joining for his first outing with the band is bassist Andy Skittrall, who gives the album a fuller feel. Melody Maker described their last album as "the Cocteau Twins meets Kate Bush, but really they steal nothing from either, those are just reference points." The dark, suspenseful mood of their songs give them a unique character benefiting from the fine vocals and thoughtful lyrics.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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The Age of Science and Enlightenment (2006)
The sixth Karda Estra album continues their unique exploration of progressive and classical stylings using both modern and orchestral instruments.
The long suite `The Return of John Deth` is something of a new departure for the group where each part has its own atmosphere that evolves around the main theme point.
Classical instrumentation and ethereal female voice mix with electric guitar/bass/keys/drums to give haunting and melancholic melodies bound together by beautiful production ideas and great progressive arrangements.
A must for those fans of the band and those into adventurous and classically inspired prog.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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The Last of the Libertine (2007)
The seventh Karda Estra album continues their unique exploration of progressive and classical stylings using both modern and orchestral instruments.
To their trademark classical instrumentation and etheral female voice this time is added some melodic trumpet work and a more uptempo rhythmic feel to the whole album.
Richard Wileman`s subtle acoustic and electric guitar mixes with the bass/keyboards and ensemble work to give haunting and beautiful melodies bound together with strong compositions and great arrangements.
A must for the many fans of the band and those into adventurous and classically inspired prog.
http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk/cyclops/cyclist.html
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