AGATE..'BLACK SOUL'
(Agate Music) Reviewed 25th February 2010
from ravenheart.com
Norwegian band Agate was formed in 2004 by Mira Birkelid (vocals/keyboard) and Rune Torgersen (vocals/bass), as a pop-rock project. The band has continually been developing their music in order not to fall into a certain genre. As Agate has worked on their sound, they have been mixing up different musical genres, like classic, folk and oriental music, prog, gothic, hard rock and metal. In doing so, they have managed to create a unique piece of work, 'Black Soul' that they can truly call their own. There are some great songs on this six track cd, that runs at around 42 minutes. Despite the lengthy tracks, my interest was maintained until the very end by the sheer variation of music on offer. An orcestral/synth/guitar intro kicks off the great opener 'Gone', Mira offering a kinda pop/rock vocal style, with none of the operatics that can be associated with some female fronted bands. Great keys and guitars throughout, with the lass proving that she is not just an able singer, she can tickle those ivories too. Next up 'Losing My Faith' features vocal interplay (as other tracks do) between Mira and Rune and continues a very melodic and slightly progressive theme - a superb and touching song in-fact. 'Angel Of Mercy' keeps up the good work featuring Rune this time on vocals, but again we see awesome keyboard work from Mira on this quirky tune! 'Is It Right' is a slower number, while 'Time' maintains the rather cool musicianship that is apparent throughout 'Black Soul' - great guitar and synths on 'Time' as well. The final track, and the title track at that kicks off with chiming bells, keys, synths and crunching guitars, I am in heaven! This track powers along, and when the cd ends, you wanna play it again - well I did! Go to www.myspace.com/agatetheband 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)
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