The music and the lyrics to this new release have been with me for many 
years now. Will Mackie is a dear dear friend, who kindly enough has shared 
his thoughts, his music and lyrics with me over the years. So this new 
album has a very special place in my heart due to fact that we’ve spent 
hours/years talking about “it”. I’ve promised Will to be honest, so I’ll 
do my very best. Still, it’s great to see Will’s big dream finally come 
true, after years of hard work. The collaboration between Will & Antony 
Kalugin (Karfagen) is very special & unique, which this album reveals in 
abundance. For a first album it’s very strong, filled to the brim with 
great symphonic music. The lyrics has depth, they are touching, meaningful 
and filled with love to life and mankind.

The opener “Out Of Darkness” is a true symphonic track filled with Antony’s
great keyboards, smoking guitar soloing/riffs. Antony’s vocals are very 
strong, with just a little accent. The track is built up perfect, with 
many breaks and some beautiful interplay between the entire band.

“Reflections Of Life” opens with “our” very own Scotsman Tam’s great 
voice. Then it turns almost Alan Parsonish in the beautiful theme-the way 
the track is build up- A great art rock piece of music.

Under A Rainbow Sky” is a semi-classical-art rock-symphonic piece of music,
filled with strong vocals, heavy keys and some excellent guitar soloing.” 
Road Of Many Challenges” is a masterful track. Complex, constantly changing
rhythm and pace. Ad to this an almost Camelish/Tullish sounding flute 
which is played perfectly. Great track. “Like A Miracle” (the beginning) 
could have been taken from any given track from Steely Dan or Donald 
Fagan (that creamy keyboard sound). A heavy sounding guitar solo breaks 
the track, with a great Hammond in the back. This is really a great piece
of music.” Watching The Sun Go Down”, again a masterful symphonic track 
filled with awesome guitar soloing, many outstanding keyboard 
sounds/soloing/riffs and great vocals/harmonies. One of my fav. tracks.” 
Another Friday Night” is a symphonic masterpiece, with outstanding music 
and great lyrics. We get acoustic guitars, dreamy keyboards, great 
drumming and some meaningful lyrics. The vocals/harmonies are great and 
sung with much conviction. Roman Philonenko’s guitar, both electric and 
acoustic ones are fantastic. The title track ends this great release. A 
track filled with beautiful soundscapes, great flute, awesome keyboards 
by Anthony and a great feeling runs throughout it.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Will & Antony have made a unique and 
very special album. Just that it’s possible to make music over that long 
distance is fantastic. Wales via Ukraine? Will have found a fantastic 
talented musician in Anthony, no doubt about that. Ad to this all of 
Antony’s friends, who all is very gifted musicians, each and every one 
of them.

To be honest, this is a much greater release than I had ever dreamed of. 
One thing is getting all those great demos over the years from Will. 
Another is a reel album with cover and all. The production is crystal 
clear(Will Mackie); the instrumentation by all involved is outstanding. 
Every single musician shines here. Hats of to Will for getting this album
out to all of us, who love & treasure great music.

I think you owe it to yourself to try out Hoggwash. One thing is curtain:
This is great music, progressive music, performed by a unique unit of 
very talented musicians. Looking foreword to the next Hoggwash project, 
which according to Will, is on the way? Way to go Will, you’ve done it. 
Hoggwash gets my highest recommendations. For lovers of symphonic music 
this is a reel treat.

Ps; The album is also sold as a special edition. With a great bonus cd, 
which is well worth the extra prize. Filled with exciting and fun stuff.

By progleo  Published: November 19, 2007
Progplanet