This Triple EP Collection is packed! However, it's not yet the highly anticipated second album of Marek Arnold's Artrock Project, but rather a budget-friendly interim product for CD lovers. The tracks and versions have been compiled from ones that were previously only available online. In addition, there are two completely new tracks, both featuring wonderful guest artists including Annemarie Schmidt, Patrik Lundström ( Ritual / Kaipa ), Steve Bühring, and Jana Pöche. The CD is filled to the brim with 78 minutes of music. Following the extremely successful and highly acclaimed 2023 debut album (see review) from Marek Arnold's Artrock Project, three EPs were released on digital online platforms, and three videos from an AI studio appeared on YouTube. Each of the EPs includes versions of main tracks that were, until now, unavailable on CD, as well as parts of the Berlin 2049 Suite. The interesting videos accompanying the EPs can be easily accessed via QR codes in the CD booklet. While this collection features mostly material available previously it brings together all of the various releases into a single physical medium. While having a number of versions of the same track back-to-back on CD can be a little disconcerting, you can always hit the "shuffle" button. Most of the tracks included on the CD I have reviewed beforeso I will focus on El Morisco Y La Bruja De Nagu (released in 2024) and the two new releases Still The World Keeps Moving and Aiden. El Morisco Y La Bruja De Nagu was released originally as Riitala featuring Marek Arnold. Riitala is a Finnish multi-instrumentalist and this track is very reminiscent of his solo material - very much jazz-fusion with Marek's signature woodwinds permeating the mix. The inter-play, particularly between soprano sax and bass makes this track is just phenomenal. Still The World Keeps Moving features a simple arrangement pairing Marek's incredible piano with the powerful and emotional vocals of Annemarie Schmidt. This is such a beautiful song which unfortunately ends far too soon - at only 2:28. Aiden, the final track on the CD features music written by Marek and lyrics by Guy Manning. The vocals are provided by Patrik Lundström, Steve Bühring, and Jana Pöche. There is a wonderful guitar solo from Martin Schnella and throughout Marek's piano and woodwinds are the glue that pull everything together. These three tracks round out the CD and make this disc so much more than just a physical release of previously available tracks - these tracks stand out and keep me hoping for that full second release from Marek Arnold's Artrock Project! This is a top-shelf release and for people who prefer physical media, a welcome addition! Highly recommended!!! **** David Carswell Where to buy? |
