The Earth Explorer from Japan, 2009, Trans Europe Expression 2012: Recommended!

 

Starting in 2007 these guys made 5 magnificent progressive albums in the traditional chamber music style of, say, the 70s French group Carpe Diem.  Or Spheroe, or perhaps Shylock, the great classic stuff. I'll post a couple to give you an idea, but they are all easily purchasable on CD except the first which I'm having trouble obtaining and therefore help would be much appreciated.  

I recommend everyone check them out, these guys are not just unknown but wonderful.

First of all-too-brief introductory information:

Instrumental progressive rock/symphonic rock band from Japan that originally went under the name The Earth Explorer and then switched to the acronym TEE from the second release onward.

The 2009 is ST and musically quite strong in terms of lovely composition and intricate ideas, original too despite the throwback to 70s style.  Rather than hard fusion based on electric guitars, the style is more like the aforementioned Carpe Diem, where acoustic instruments mostly gentle flute play out instrumental melodies on top of a quartet group, that is quite hard-hitting in their energy despite the use of acoustic piano for the most part plus rhythm section and (electric) guitar. There are so many current or modern, recent bands that attempt to do symphonic prog, what's really great here is the sheer originality of the compositions. 

For ex., the one called Oiseau Bleu develops quite beautifully as it progresses from opening through flute melody, electric guitar melody, constantly changing in the same way those classics from the 1970s were so adept at:

The second album (name is homage to the Kraftwerk album, Trans Europe Express? this despite the difference in style) continues along the same lines. Note the ingenious interplay between flute and elec. guitar here on Intersection:

Really lovely find, many thanks to my friend for this one.