Karnataka - Delicate Flame Of Desire

Year of Release: 2003
Label: Immrama Records
Catalog Number: KTK CD 003
Format: CD
Total Time: 61:29:00

When almost three years ago I had the pleasure of listening to the second album by Celtic-prog sensation Karnataka I was simply stunned by the beautiful landscapes that this European band shaped around the mellow voice of Rachel Jones, who is probably to be considered the focal point of their melodious music. So I was eager to listen to the new CD by the group, which had a slight delay in pressing only because it was sensed that extra work on the production side was needed (and it worked out greatly, I must say). OK, now that the record is finally in my hands I can attest that Delicate Flame Of Desire picks up right where The Storm left us, in an enchanting world populated by atmospheric keyboard parts and spacey guitar solos. This is particularly true at the beginning of the record, as the first few tracks reach an ethereal climax which will be treasured by Marillion and Clannad lovers alike, thanks also to the addition of Anne-Marie Helder as flautist and second vocalist in the band's line-up. The tunes I'm referring to are "Time Stands Still," the title-track and "After The Rain," where it seems that the six-piece has extra gear. However the real "killer" is placed at the end of the album, 'cause "Heart Of Stone" unleashes a couple of stunning moments that recall also the best of Yes. So all in all Delicate Flame Of Desire is another excellent record, maybe the one that will propel Karnataka outside the cult following the band possesses now ... let's just hope this happens!

Tracklisting:
Karnataka (2:54) / Time Stands Still (6:17) / Delicate Flame Of Desire (7:34) / After The Rain (7:52) / Strange Behaviour (6:10) / The Right Time (7:06) / One Breath Away (5:13) / Out Of Reach (7:48) / Heart Of Stone (10:31)

Musicians:
Rachel Jones - vocals
Ian Jones - bass, acoustic guitars
Jonathan Edwards ? keyboards
Paul Davies - guitars
Gavin John Griffiths - drums, percussion
Anne-Marie Helder ? vocals, flute

Discography:
Karnataka (1998)
The Storm (2000)
Delicate Flame Of Desire (2003)
Strange Behavior (2004)
The Gathering Light (2010)
New Light - Live In Concert (2012)
Secrets Of Angels (2015)
Secrets Of Angels - Live In Concert (2018)

In Concert (DVD) (2002)
Live In The USA (DVD) (2003) New Light - Live In Concert (DVD/BR) (2012)
Secrets Of Angels - Live In Concert (DVD) (2018)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: May 4th 2003
Reviewer: Igor Italiani

Artist website: www.karnataka.org.uk
Hits: 2791
Language: english