Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Feedback
Label: Self-released
Released: 2013
Rating: 4/5
Tolmin outfit Feedback have so far put out three studio albums and one EP, on which they clearly showed off a hugely successful instrumental blend of fusion with touches of jazz, rock, funk and blues, something rarely seen around these parts. It all sits under the audible sonic influence of some more or less legendary acts from the seventies of the last century, helped along by authentic instruments from that era. Right from the start of their career Feedback decided they didn’t need a singer for their musical approach, which, given their style, may in the end have turned out to be a good call in its own way, though things could change in the near future. »Skrivnost« is the title of their fourth studio effort, which came out four years after its predecessor »Pro Mehanika« (2009) and was recorded in 2012 and 2013. It features some tracks written in the early days of the band’s existence that had stayed unreleased until now. So Feedback decided it was finally time for them to see the ‘light of day’. All seven old-new tracks were recorded ‘live’, in the middle of the studio and without overdubs, and given revamped, you could say updated arrangements. Listening to the individual compositions, you’d never guess they were written when the band was only just finding its feet, because they radiate considerable songwriting and arranging maturity. That won’t surprise anyone who has followed the output of this interesting band, certainly an unusual one by Slovenian standards, for a while now.
Opening track »Sara« probably got its name from guest clarinetist Sara Frece, who fits the band members’ musical approach perfectly on this one. The first few seconds, with a pompous organ intro, are slightly reminiscent of the start of »Giant« from the debut by progressive rock legends Gentle Giant, but that’s surely a total coincidence. Soon after comes a shift into dynamic fusion, where, alongside lively variations on electric guitar, the Hammond organ in Miloš Leban’s hands plays a major role. In between you can also hear some unusually punchy guitar phrases from Matej Magajne’s fingers, while the eclectic rhythm section is a real feast for the ears. Certain ambient segments here recall early Santana, and early Camel too, which means the song’s structure, with its emphatically warm Hammond sound, stays remarkably faithful to the sonic legacy of seventies jazz fusion. »Wagha-Chicu« is another complex yet ambient and relaxed piece, where the band members once again let loose with free improvisation, and the rhythm section of Andrej Klavžar on bass and Andrej Maver on drums does a superb job.
On »Winter Time«, where the mighty Hammond sound dominates once more, there are likewise noticeable early Santana influences, which will delight all those dreamers who’d love to travel back to more romantic musical times through a gorgeous sonic experience. »Otroci Se Igrajo«, with its playful and almost serene, if not innocent, ambience, which marks the opening section in particular, shows that the titles of individual Feedback songs aren’t just ‘pulled out of thin air’ but reflect the mood and the very structure of each piece. The romantically spiced »Faza Umiritve«, with its blues improvisations on guitar and massive layers of Hammond organ, backed by lively and subtle rhythmic nuances, is another lovely showcase of the whole band’s wonderful virtuoso skills. On the thoroughly witty rhythmic experiment »I’ve Lost My Hair«, where you can also sense a touch of pastoral mood between the sections, you can pick out some of the sonic elements typical of the Canterbury scene of British progressive rock, especially some of the more melodic acts led by Caravan.
The closing 15-minute improvisational odyssey »Ne Vem Kaj Je To Skrivnost« is packed with colorful fusion jams of the kind that were so typical of the golden age of progressive rock and jazz fusion in the mid-seventies, while quite a few of the improvisational ideas are innovative and witty enough that you can’t possibly accuse Feedback of lacking originality. The solo excursions of individual band members are a fine and unusual mix of virtuosity and subtlety. It’s also worth stressing that despite the considerable complexity they never lose the melodic component. Magajne’s guitar playing radiates exceptional technical self-discipline throughout, yet never slips into virtuoso pretentiousness. The middle section works especially well this time, where his guitar improvising, with ‘mathematical’ precision, at one point recalls King Crimson’s »Discipline« era, or the special guitar technique founded in his guitar school by the legendary Robert Fripp.
With their new album »Skrivnost«, Feedback offer clear proof that they’re sticking to their guns musically, since in terms of quality and consistency they remain (still) one of the brightest stars of the otherwise super-obscure Slovenian progressive rock scene. Everyone who swears by that ‘old-timey’ seventies sound with nostalgia in their hearts, and who rate Feedback first and foremost because they’re so incredibly good at reviving the sonic grandeur of ‘bygone days’, will enjoy all seven tracks on »Skrivnost« just as much as they enjoyed their past efforts. Even the album’s artwork, a collage of acrylics and a joint creation of all the band members, is a fine reflection of its musical content.
Line-up
Matej Magajne – guitar
Miloš Leban – keyboards
Andrej Klavžar – bass
Andrej Maver – drums
GUEST MUSICIAN:
Sara Frece – clarinet on ‘Sara’
Production
Dejan Lapajna
Track list
1. Sara
2. Wagha-chicu
3. Otroci se igrajo
4. Faza umiritve
5. I’ve Lost My Hair
6. Winter Time (Part 2)
7. Ne vem kaj je to skrivnost
