Aphelion are an Italian progressive/fusion/jazz instrumental group. Upon listening, Planet X sprang to mind at first, coincidently this CD was mixed by that same bands well known keyboardist, Derek Sherinian, at his Los Angeles studio. An excellent move on the bands part, as Derek has given Aphelion and their CD Franticodean admirable sound.
Aphelion's members are Alessandro Bertoni on keyboards, drummer Enrico Pintonello, guitarist Matteo Gasparin, and bass player Sebastiano Pozzobon, each revealing their well honed skills on Franticode, delivering polished performances. The band's cool name Aphelion actually means the point on its orbit when the Earth is farthest from the sun, and quite frankly this group could certainly be a new rising star on the horizon.
Diversity is the key with this album; Aphelion's technical material certainly has sufficient variety and appeal to keep you listening. "Hybris" is a great track, commencing with a metallic groove of guitar and kick pedals, with the keys coming in over the top. Aphelion really shine during this number, and in fact, each track on Franticodehas a lot to offer.
I really liked this album, and sure, you can hear their influences , but how many bands don't display theirs? Franticode is a fine, grooving at times release of enticing music, and it's safe to say that Apehilion are a band to keep an eye on, especially if they continue on this path.
Track Listing
1. Herocloubus
2. Hybris
3. Dreaming In Franticode
4. Orbit Out
5. Clouds Over Tharsis
6. Mercurial Sand
7. Primordial Crossbreeding