To be honest, when I received the music of Markus Reuter & Stefano Castagna, my eyebrows lifted and my thoughts were: I really do not know them both, who will they be and what kind of music can I expect, especially when I take a look at the album title, Sky On The Ground, in combination with how the cover of the album looks like? A little bit mysterious for me. My attention was immediately drawn, because I really like to be surprised. That is one of the main reasons that I wanted to be a reviewer of progressive rock music. It is always exciting, what kind of music will it be, will it be another gem? Or do I have to slog through the music and am I glad that this one is reviewed? Just a few figments of my imagination. But, before we go to the music, I was interested in who Markus and Stefano are. Maybe I was under a stone for ages because Markus Reuter is a well-known man in the progressive rock scene because he is playing in Stickmen and The Crimson ProjekCt, bands that I have heard of, but not familiar with. But when I read Crimson, I do think of King Crimson and that is a big name in the progressive rock scene for a really long time. And thinking of King Crimson, my thoughts are moving to a musical direction, but is that what it is? Then the other main character of this duo, Stefano Castagna. I tried to find information about him, but there is not that much of it. What I found out is that he is a sound engineer and is in music for a really long time. This record is their second one, in 2023 they released their first album, Sea Of Hopeless Angels. I did not listen to that one, so I cannot compare it at all. Heartless Heart starts with a beat that means that this heartless heart has a heart at all, what a contradiction. We have to deal with ambient and electronic music. Just a quick reminder, put on your headphones, put the lights down, lie on the couch and let yourself be carried away. Is it that kind of music? Yes it is, at least this song. In this song you can have your own trip. Just go the way your brain directs you. There are some stunning guitar moments while the beat is going on and on and on, what is good to keep you focused, because the synthesizers take you everywhere and nowhere. Both Markus and Stefano sing in this one, however there has been some reverberation has been added to their voices. After five minutes the song fades out and I only can say: what a great combination of music. A Shadow Between Us is the next one. It starts with overwhelming soundscapes, as if you are floating away, not knowing where you are going. Repetitive and insistent drumming has the lead for a while. Pieces of music like this keep repeating in your head for days, especially when the guitar grinds through you and takes you further on this journey. There are a lot of layers in this song and it is very addictive. This song could last a bit longer than then the three minutes it is; a minus (just joking). Failing Through Silence is the third one. The song feels as if I am being pulled into a keyboard and can't get out, a true journey of discovery of how a synthesizer can hypnotize you. It all sounds a bit spooky and you cannot predict the direction. It is a relief to drown in this kind of music. Maybe you ask yourself if I took a joint before listening to this music. The answer is no, but for the third time after each other the song surprises. There is so much to discover. It is the turn to Sky On The Ground, the title track. Before I started listening to the music on this album, I had no reference yet, so no bar yet, but the bar is gradually being raised. The bar is not as mentioned in the song on the ground, now it is a bit higher! This time it starts with sounds out of the keyboard that stands on themselves, but not too long because this time the bass guitar, or at least anything that sounds like it, gives melody to the song, and that is the first time there is a kind of melody. Sometimes there are intriguing guitar loops and solos that touches you. Another time there are vocals, as before, they are distorted. Also this song is too short. Overlove is the fifth one. The slowness in this song is lovely, it all takes time and the trumpet is delicious, even if it is a short moment. The layering in this song is perfect. Every time when you hear this song, you can discover new things. What is striking is that the guitar solos are so slow, but also touches you deeply. Towards the end the trumpet sounds are coming back again. This is an impressive song. With The Shape Of Tomorrow, we become half of the album. Immediately you will be sucked into soundscape, not knowing where you are going to, just as in A Shadow Between Us. The first minute you are just coasting along a bit. But then, bleeps out of the keyboard grab you by the throat. And all I can say is listen to them, they are the boss! The combination in what your ears will hear is so good, another time you can hear the layering. This music is so intelligent. We can also classify this song as progressive music, well done. Rise With Them follows. It is one of the shortest songs on the album. Acoustic guitars enter. What a relief after all the music we did hear till now, all the trips we made so far. Just a moment of rest. The distorted singing is so beautiful in this one, the tears run down my cheeks. I love this song so much, wow. What Will I Be starts ominously. Sounds come and go, they provoke you. Then there is a kind of drumming sound and keyboards that hounds and you feel a bit scared. What a jumble of sounds, they come and go. There are no strings attached and that makes it a true voyage of discovery as far as I am concerned. This piece of music is a direct hit, excellent! We want more, we want more! The Unseen Rift. Slowly the keyboard sounds enter, another time a bit ominous. The music doesn't really have any direction yet. Halfway there is more structure and some sound carpets are poured over you. This Is classical improvisation. Only the creators understand what they want to convey with this music. But I still get a warm feeling hearing this music. I am in the mood to not know where to go, surprise me another time. And that is exactly what happens. After Pulse Of Life there is only one song remaining. Directly you drown in the keyboard sounds and then a beat is coming your way. This one is danceable, uplifting and a grin is on my face. Spooky keyboard sounds move you to the left and then to the right of the spectrum, without losing the song. It is a real pulse of life, the title fits the music perfectly. The Hollow Buz is the closing track and with only one and a half minute, the shortest one. It is a bit of an odd one out. Not that is it a bad song, it is a bit hypnotizing but it is over too soon. I think that a if the song was a bit longer, I could mention it more as a song. Now it is over before it has been started, to be a bit black and white. But, to be honest, this is the only complaint I have over the album. Before starting to listen to the album, I could not imagine what to expect. Now I can tell you that this is really intelligent music that is deeply layered. I have the feeling that this will not appeal to a large audience because it really demands something from you as a listener. Do you want to go on a journey, or do you prefer to play it safe with the music that goes off the beaten track? For me, this was a challenge that I wouldn't have missed for anything. I won't play the album every day, but I'm sure it will make its rounds regularly. Do yourself a favour and give it a try, it is more than worth it. I can say that I am a fan now. **** Michel Stolk (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
