Psych Progressive- SFINX- Zalmoxe, Fab Electrecord LP

$

85

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The LP Was Released by Electrecord ( Romania ) in 1978. Label Number is STM-EDE 01537 The LP has White Label. 
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SFINX - Zalmoxe :

1. Ursitoarele

2. Blana de Urs

3. Mierea

4. Pestera

5. Epiphania

6. Furtuna cu Trup de Balaur

7. Calatorul Prin Nouri.

8. Kogaion

9. Epilog

The Band :

DAN ANDREI ALDEA- guitar, synth, vocal.

CORNELIU BIBI IONESCU- bass guitar.

NICOLAE ENACHE - synth.

MIHAI CERNEA- drums, percussion.

Short Biography

I suppose the band may rate a ‘progressive folk’ label based on the lyrical theme of this album, or perhaps thanks to a few lighter and somewhat pastoral tunes on the record such as “Mierea” or the ambient and heavily synthesized “Cãlãtorul prin nori”; not sure. In reality though this could easily be considered a symphonic rock band with their extensive use of keyboards, tight electric guitar riffs and regular rock-opera, swelling arrangements reminiscent of the American art rock band Styx circa the same timeframe (listen to “Kogaion” and tell me you don’t hear “Mr. Roboto”, or a viber similar to “Fooling Yourself” on “Blana De Urs”).

These are not ripoffs or tributes though, but rather a quartet of dedicated musicians half a world away from the rock arenas of North America, discovering their own sound and apparently in spirited competition with countrymen Phoenix for the hearts and minds of adventurous music lovers in Communist-era Romania. This was originally supposed to be released in 1975 and was also supposed to be a double album, but thanks to government bureaucracy and censorship was reduced to just forty-two minutes (plus a few bonus tracks on the reissue).

Not that I’m complaining; the music that made it to release is top-notch as the band relates the life story of Greek cult figure Zalmoxis as told in the lyrics of Romanian poet Adrian Hoaj?. I’m sure the storyline enhances the appeal of the album for native speakers, but I’m quite impressed simply by the quality of the music without even knowing more than just the theme of the songs themselves. Like I said, if you were into seventies arena art-rock bands like Styx, the Nice or even ELO you should find this album appealing. At times it’s heavier and more proggy than those bands though, who tend to be known as more commercial (and rightfully so). Sfinx take their craft a bit more seriously I think, as evidenced in the wickedly heavy instrumental (guitar/keyboards) dirge “Kogaion” or the spacey “Calatorul Prin Nori” (the traveler through clouds). That latter one has a few issues with the production quality, which in general is good on the album but uneven in just a few spots.

I really wonder what the other disc’s worth of music that was cut from this record sounded like. One can imagine a true rock opera with deep forays into synthesizer and guitar riffs stretching out over well over an hour; perhaps someday the suppressed tapes will be reunited with this music and a proper reissue can be made.

In the meantime, check out this four-star genuine prog rock gem. Highly recommended for prog folk, symphonic rock and art rock fans in general. Well worth a listen.

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GRADES AND DESCRIPTIONS:

Mint (M)
Use Mint sparingly if at all. This grade commands the highest price in price guides (maybe even higher). Contrary to popular belief, a Mint record does not have to be sealed, and if sealed, can not technically be called Mint because it may have scuffs from packaging. It does have to be perfect. There must not be any scratches or scuffs. A Mint cover and the artwork has to be perfect, with no marks, stickers, or writing.

Near Mint (NM or even M-)
This should be the most used grade for almost flawless records and covers. Near Mint graded records can receive the highest price in the price guides. They might have one minor scuff and they should play without any noise. Covers should look near perfect as well, with very small signs of age.

Very Good Plus (VG+)
These should be priced at 50 percent of Mint or NM prices. They might have slightly visible scratches that do not affect the sound. Deep scratches that are visible in plain light are not acceptable. The cover can have slight wear, but no more than three flaws that have to be explained. It can have small writing (not big), show age, and have slight wear to the seams. Water damage and stains are not acceptable.

Very Good (VG)
These are worth 25 percent of NM priced records. There are very noticeable scratches and scuffs that can be heard when played. The noise can be heard during soft passages, but does not affect the enjoyment of the music. Covers have writing, stickers, seam splitting, and look worn. The artwork should still look good.

Good (G) or Good Plus (G+) (sometimes VG-)
These are worth 10-15 percent of NM records. This record can still be played without skipping, but has a lot of noise and visible scratches. You should still be able to enjoy the music. Covers have seam splits and maybe even tape on them, as well as writing. The artwork is still decent.

Poor (P), Fair (F)
These are worth 0-5 percent of NM records. They are hardly worth your time, unless very rare. The record might be warped or cracked and won't play without skipping. The cover is damaged.