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Reviews

Volaré — Volaré
((Not on label) no#, 1996, MC)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1997-02-01

Volaré Cover art

Volare are a five piece from Athens, Georgia, featuring multi-keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, bass+sax, cello+ocarina, and drums. Prior to their performance at Louisville's Eclectic Electric Event, few had heard of these guys, but Volaré is a band with a lot of potential, and could lead the next wave of American progressive rock bands. Indeed, this five-song cassette is better than 80 percent of the CDs that cross this desk. Their music is purely instrumental, combining all the best elements of progressive rock with touches of melodic folkiness, jazz spirit, and chamber influences. No one instrument dominates the sound; there is room here for everyone. These guys can rock hard, but they wisely balance it with more introspective moments, and a composition style that emphasizes exploration and evolution rather than repetition. Each song is an odyssey of sorts, with numerous changes in theme, character, and dynamics that all flow together brilliantly. Original as well; one has a hard time pinning them down to any influences, which seem to be wide and varied. Volaré doesn't sound much like anyone else in particular; one might be briefly reminded of Anglagard, Happy the Man, Paul Winter, Mahavishnu, and others for various reasons at different times, but whatever influences they draw from have been assimilated well. Put this on my best of '96 list. Now when's that CD coming out, guys?

Filed under: New releases, Issue 11, 1996 releases

Related artist(s): Volaré

 

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