CAMEL

If we talk about prog move in the seventies, I would consider that Camel came a bit late compared to other bands like Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Genesis, Yes, ELP, etc. Fortunately this debut album brought different style as compared to what's already there in the market and I could reconfirm that Camel is band with its own style. It's difficult to identify its influences from other band(s). Once I thought there was some influences from Genesis, Jethro Tull and Focus. But when I thought about it later, I was wrong as the music textures and contents were totally different. How could I say that this band was similar with, say Focus or Jethro Tull, on the basis that some track of Camel were using flute? It's too naïve to say so. Finally, I gave up defining sort of influences this band had. Just enjoy the music man! Music is emotion.

I have to admit musically that this album is really excellent in terms of composition - structures, songwriting and arrangements - and also great musicianship and overall performance. And I have to honest with you, my friends. As you know, my basic philosophy in enjoying music (any kind of genre / sub-genre): music is emotion. Judging from the latter only I can only say that this album only "so and so" in creating musical emotion for me. Yes, I feel touched with the stunning guitar work by Andy Latimer (he is one of greatest prog guitarists I've ever known) or soaring Hammond organ sound by Peter Bardens. But - forgive me - they failed to stimulate something that can drive my adrenaline to explode like what I experience with Genesis' "Firth of Fifth", "Fly On A Windshield", "Supper's Ready", or Marillion's "Emerald Lies", "Forgotten Sons", "Grendel" or Yes' "Gates of Delirium", "Close To The Edge" . and many more touchy songs from prog heads. But I'm sure that this is something to do with personal taste - and be it, I think. We have to be honest, don't we?

Musically, you will hear this album has great segments that demonstrate how the combination of skillful guitar work of Andy Latimer mixes wonderfully with Peter Bardens organ works. The compositions are excellent. The only thing that does not fully suit my taste is a bit lacking of melodic segments. My favorite tracks include: "Arubaluda" (6:24), "Slow Yourself Down" (4:45), "Six Ate" (5:57).

On the basis of musical quality, I rate this album as excellent, but as it does not create a true musical orgasm for me then I think three stars is the most appropriate rating. It's not bad at all. Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW