FOLLOWING GHOSTS

GALAHAD are a progressive rock band from Dorset in the UK and 'Following Ghosts' is their 8th release. The first track 'Myopia', a good opener that rocks. There is a nice melody and good vocals from Stuart, who at times sounds a little similar to FISH and Peter GABRIEL. There's a good strong catchy chorus, nice keyboards and a good change in direction where the band are playing an Irish Jig type theme.

The next track is 'Imago' and is quite an emotional track, starting with some nice mellow keyboards and acoustic guitar. There are some nice vocals from Stuart and Sarah. There's some very nice bass lines from Neil and again this track has a nice melody.

The third track is 'A Short Reflection On Two Past lives - part one', this track starts with the sounds of birds singing and running water. Nice acoustic guitar work. Vocals sound more Peter GABRIEL influenced on this track and there's some nice flute.

The next track 'Karma For One' is Indian influenced with nice mellow keyboards, nice vocals and uses a drum machine, with Spencer taking over after a short period. this is a track that gradually builds up. There are some spacey type keyboard effects and some nice flute.

'Perfection Personified', has a strong MARILLION influence with a good strong melody and a catchy tune.

The sixth track is 'Bug Eye' and is the first of two tracks on the album at around 14 mins in length. Nice mellow keyboards and nice vocals from Stuart and Sarah. There are some computer sound effects similar to the one song "Radio Kaos" - Roger WATERS. There's a nice rhythm and some superb guitar over the top from Roy with a heavier guitar sound coming in over the top. There are many changes in direction, mood and tempo within this track. Later there are some techno type drum sounds with some heavy guitar and nice keyboards with the keyboards changing to give some spacey type sounds.

The next track is 'A Short Reflection On Two Past Lives - part two' has a nice keyboard intro with the drums coming in quite sharply. An acoustic guitar come in and Sarah plays some quite fitting clarinet. Good vocals once again and some very nice guitar work from Roy.

'Ocean Blue' starts with some nice keyboards, followed by a fade in heavier keyboard sound. There's a disco type drumbeat with some nice soft vocals and this track is in a similar vein to the Pet Shop Boys.

Track nine is 'Rejuvenation', short track starting with some nice spacey type keyboards and acoustic guitar. vocals follow the melody but are very subdued and there's a little percussion. The track then fades out. The next track is 'Easier Said Than Done' This track shows a heavily influenced classical piece. Nice combination of keyboards, flute and clarinet. Vocals are fairly soft throughout the track.

The final track 'Shine' is also the longest one at just over 14 mins and starts off fairly quietly, but soon erupts with some great keyboards from Dean. there's a good solid drum sound from Spencer with again nice vocals. Many changes in direction, mood and tempo. Later there are some more nice keyboards, percussion and guitar. The midsection is quite atmospheric, starting very quietly and gradually building up and showing a slight PINK FLOYD and YES influence. The last section is more keyboard dominated with some nice guitar work and overall for me the best track on the album, showing GALAHAD to be a very creative and versatile progressive rock band.

In my opinion, a superb release from GALAHAD and one I would recommend to all progressive rock fans.