This is a surprisingly strong entry from Japanese instrumental proggers Tee (or "the Earth Explorer"). This group has developed a tight and lyrical sound that draws from Japan's large instrumental prog tradition and the Quebec/U.S. '70s brand of jazz-rock-inflected prog (
Maneige,
Happy the Man). The result is a yearning set of six originals led by Kenji Imai's flute and Katsumi Yoneda's electric guitar. Ryuji Yonekura's keyboards (and occasional claviola) fill in the arrangements while remaining cast mostly in a supportive role. The rhythm section consists of bassist Yukio Iigahama and drummer Takayuki Asada. The pieces are mostly in building-block format, but the themes are nicely tied together and the individual parts gel into something cohesive, especially in "City" and "Col de l'Iseran." The melodies are finely crafted and make great use of dual flute/guitar leads. A little studio wizardry might have enhanced the album -- the recording is a bit too dry and straightforward -- but there is nothing to be said against this fine set of elegant pieces and passionate performances. Highly recommended as one of the finest prog rock surprises of 2009. ~ François Couture