For their shows at the picturesque Promethean, Akoustic Odyssey delivered up exactly as their web-site describe it – a banquet of rock baroque, Latin jazz, classical heavy metal, Mediterranean, and Middle-Eastern styles with just a touch of funk.

These shows included extracts off their forthcoming album Lotus that includes not only new material but reworked old standards such as Odyssey. The prolific nature of the group may be evidenced by the fact their last album was released less than 18 months ago.

AO has enjoyed considerable local support with a gig at 2006 WOMAD and nominations for Fringe Act of the year. The music quickly draws you in and one rapidly appreciates the quality musicianship of all the players with perhaps Josh Tsounis on guitars (and one of the primary composers) the standout. Many of the songs gather momentum like a departing passenger train before cruising at high velocity in their midst. Emma Luker (violin) and Talitha Best (oboe) make fine front people while Anne Harrington’s percussion is under emphasised or at the risk of being under appreciated.

Akoustic Odyssey is fine Sunday afternoon fare for all to enjoy.

Kryztoff Rating – 4K

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