The first approach to Ugij, an instrumental collective between fusion and world music, is that it has in Edoardo Maggioni's keyboards the main reason of interest, where the introductory Ehiku bothers Popol Vuh and Third Ear Band before flowing into a much more modern jazz that recalls Esbjörn Svensson's trio with an added guitarist.
The feeling of Mea E Pau is almost funky, embellished by Maggioni's always interesting piano playing, and pairs with the subsequent Odota, a lyrical and enigmatic episode - the first of the lot with an orchestra - with trip-hop and drum'n'bass hues. Pokemon Shock is heavy and progressive, and anticipates Pohjoinen, a track with a symphonic but suspended, sinister, Mahlerian breath, in a constant crescendo that culminates in the impressive synth solo of the finale.
An album not to be missed!!!
