Russian keyboardist and composer Anton Batagov is clearly influenced by the minimalist school of post-modern music but he has a highly individual style that borrows from several genres. His album Passionate Desire To Be an Angel has been released as a free and legal online album by the Electrosound net label and has four tracks of intense and emotional music. All of the four compositions are impressive but the first two, “Can You Feel The Rhythm?” and “Conjunctio” are simpl;y stunning. “Rhythm” start with electric guitarist Theophrastus belting out a punk riff that is soon overlapped by Batagov’s ascending piano lines. By the time trombone,. vibraharp and a soulful vocal emerges you have a mesmerizing mixture of modern classical, rock and soul. “Conjunctio” is a 28 minutes piano and organ piece that is very reminiscent of Terry Riley’s keyboard work and, like Riley, is influenced by Buddhist chants and philosophy. The other two tracks are also exceptional works of post-modern minimalism. “Opus Alchymicum” has a somewhat grand melody in which Batagov’s treatment teeters between Phillip Glass and Vangelis. I don’t know why but every time I hear it I think “Chariots of Fire”. “Umbra Solis” has spiritual overtones in its use of organ and chorale. Throughout the album guitarist Theophrastus and vibraphonist Peteris Shuniatis add excellent assistance. This is an unique and inspiring album.

Passionate Desire To Be an Angel is available in 320kbps MP3

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