Pat Mastelotto & Markus Reuter are some of prog’s finest musicians. Mastelotto has been a part of King Crimson for many years now. He has also been in Tuner, Stick Men and The Crimson ProjeKCt with Reuter. So it’s quite clear that these two gentlemen have a chemistry. For those who don’t know, Reuter is a master of the touch guitar, which he founded and has been playing for a long time now.
“FACE” is a 35 minute track/album that was written by Reuter and not only features Mastelotto on drums and percussion but many other friends such as Fabio Trentini of Moonbound (one of my favorite bands of late, Mastelotto and Reuter guested on the last album), Tim Motzer (who has worked with Reuter), The Rembrandts’ Danny Wilde and yes Steven Wilson. Also, the cover painting by Adam Jones of Tool.
The piece of music has taken NINE YEARS to make. To call it an involved piece would be selling it short. However, it’s not a piece of music that ever loses the listener. In fact, it is one of more inviting pieces while still being wildly creative and challenging. I’ve heard something else each time I’ve listened to it and just want to hear it again.
The title is because the music is based on the notes F, A, C and E. And like any successful long progressive epic, it needs to flow well and it does. Regardless if a transition is smooth or even abrupt, it WORKS. There are so many instruments that each had a special color to the piece PLUS wordless vocals as well which make the human voice just another instrument in the arsenal of these true artists.
“FACE” is a true prog journey but unlike some songs that rely on the abundance of notes, this one is about the right note being in the right place with the right rhythm and structure. Honestly, this is one of the most fascinating things I’ve heard in quite a while. “FACE” renews my hope in truly progressive music. This is easily going to be a part of my best releases of 2017. Incredible. NOT TO BE MISSED!
Rating: 10/10
Tracklist:
1. FACE
Bandcamp: mastelottoreuter.bandcamp.com/album/face
Label: Tempus Fugit
Rob's Music Planet 
Cool! I was planning to get this next week!
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Is it really only possible to get this album, by getting the €50 signed copy through their BC page? The normal version is sold out, can’t find it anywhere else on CD, and it’s not on any streaming.
I really don’t want to pay 50! euros for a record I only know of through this review, but never heard as much as a sample from 😦
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Hmmm that does seem steep. Try either of these: https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/9698398?ev=rb
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Yeah, saw those as well. Problem is both are from the US, and I live in Denmark. In Denmark we have to pay VAT from wares from outside EU, as soon as it $12. The VAT in it self is not that bad. It’s only 25% of the total price. But on top of that, our postal service takes $24 for that “service”. You know, they charge you for charging you. Lovely 😦
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Hmm well that sucks. Maybe contact Markus directly and ask. He is a great guy and very interactive.
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Guys, the album should be available via all “normal” outlets. The signed edition on Bandcamp is an exclusive edition that we’re selling direct, and it’s definitely not meant to put you off! Check your local Amazon website for the regular CD edition, for example. The download is available exclusively via iTunes. If you have more questions, please contact the label at tempusfugit.de Thank you!
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Like I said, you’re a great guy and interactive! 🙂
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In Denmark the CD should be available on any regular outlet. The album is distributed in whole Scandinavia by Border Music which is a big independent distributor over there. If you can’t find it, Amazon.de got it and is shipping this European wide.
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