Chrysalis
Kajoshin
From their EPK, "...the tracks on an album must complement and contrast one another... this creates the emotional tension required to pique the listener's interest..." This is what Adrian Belew stated in the early 1980s. This quote fits perfectly with the band's compositional philosophy. The Italian band, after a period of inactivity, is back in the game with an album almost entirely composed by its leader, guitarist and singer Claudio Russo. The year 2020, with the outbreak of the pandemic and the lockdown forcing people to stay indoors for months at a time, is a perfect time to get ideas together and find new awareness." The album has ten songs.
"The Gate" is the first. The main rhythm is energetic as the riff dances in and around with confidence. A few different guitar melodies are interchanged in this instrumental. "Fightin'" is a shorter, three-minute song with a bit of a heavier riff and some Proggy elements in the meter. We also get the first dose of vocals. The leads are right in mind with the melody as well. "I Don't Know" is a bit more mellow and somber sounding. The riff is smooth and easy, and the vocals are low in the register. It sounds like someone who is wrestling with a question. "Closure" begins with a steady drum beat and legato bass notes. Darker in scope, this song revels in somber tones, and psychedelic elements.
"We Don't Fear I" returns the album to the light, with an energetic rocker with some staccato accents. Vocal harmonies soar high above the clouds. The title track is introspective and transformative at the title suggests. Tense guitar tones eventually give way to positive ones that fade out at the end. "And End is a New Start" is the kind of calm and pensive title that is reflected in the music. Trippy guitar slides come and the leads sing out with reflection. "We Don't Fear II" has mellow rhythms and smooth leads. There is a mellow sound here again. Harmonized vocal notes are held for effect. "Implosion" is the longest on the album. It opens with minimal instrumentation and another easy riff with repeated bass notes. It's a few minutes in before the riff establishes itself with some authority. Leads come and go like a breeze. What is going on in the background?
"Natural Life" closes the album. It's a beautiful sound with pensive vocals. Where was this sound on the rest of the album? It's very emotional and very charming. Well, they save the best for last. Overall, this album did indeed contain complementary songs. Although the more positive ones were easier for me to connect with, I appreciated them all. I liken it to an album that walks your through various phases of your life...some good, some bad, but in the end, you chose to live life on your own terms.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Chrysalis" Track-listing:
1. The Gate
2. Fightin'
3. I Don't Know
4. Closure
5. We Don't Fear I
6. Chrysalis
7. An End is a New Start
8. We Don't Fear II
9. Implosion
10. Natural Life
Kajoshin Lineup:
Claudio Russo - Vocals, Guitar
Eros Pipinato - Bass
Alberto Pigazzi - Drums, Backing Vocals
Elena Pavanello - Vocals
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