Cosmics is the latest project from keyboard player extraordinaire Daniele Liverani and, alongside Liverani, the album employs the talents of such luminaries as drummer Virgil Donati, guitarist Tommy Ermolli  and bassist Rufus Philpot. Anyone who regularly dips into, or follows, the such things will surely recognize those names and realize that Liverani has put together a unit that means business.

Before attempting to describe the music and sounds of “The Cosmic Year” it's worth covering just what the concept is behind this release. In a nutshell Liverani has set out to create instrumental music based on the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day and tracks such as “The Big Bang”, “ History Begins”,  “Emperors And Gods” and “The Last Second” each cover a chapter in the unfolding history of creation. Without listening to the album though those titles don’t tell you much and if you really want to get under the skin of what this album is about check out the Lion Music website where there is a special section dedicated to the Cosmics project that goes into where the inspiration came from and gives reference points as to what stage in the universe's evolution each song represents.

So what does it sound like? From the off you're struck by the gorgeous mix that is both full but also with superb separation that allows each instrument to be heard, and that is perhaps that most important aspect of the CD, the way each of instruments interact with one another. Opening track “The Big Bang” demonstrates this perfectly as Donati’s drum patterns weave in and out of Liverani’s keyboards until Ermolli’s guitar comes out of the supporting role and starts to push the track along with a relentless guitar pattern. Even with all the crazy time signatures that are flowing the song remains accessible and the latter section of the track features some very tasty guitar playing that is controlled, supremely melodic and has the resulting effect of sucking the listener in for the long ride.

For this reviewer however the highlight of the album has to be “Voyages Of Discovery” which is a truly sumptuous guitar playing tour de force containing sublime, controlled playing with great judicious use of speed tempered with attitude and great swathes of melody. The scary thing is that guitarist Ermolli is only twenty years old and to have such aptitude at such a tender age only hints at what he will be capable of in years to come. As with any review however this can only scratch the surface of what is a very “big” musical journey. The strength of this release lies in the ability to suck the listener in and not let them go till the dying notes fade away. Admittedly there are moments where you might struggle to get your head round things but these are few and far between and kept to a minimum as each song fulfils its potential.

Daniele Liverani has once more come up with a very rewarding album which constantly offer up surprises and, much as it may be wrong to single out just one of musicians, Ermolli’s playing does give the proceedings real class and he has to be congratulated on consistently delivering playing of real taste on this release. All in all a very worthwhile addition to anyone who loves crafted, intelligent melodic progressive instrumental rock.