QUODLIBET

I was completely blown out with the first album of this Swedish band. I had the impression to listen to a Kansas ghost. I still do not understand that they are listed in the "Art Rock category though. So, I only hope that their second album will not disappoint me.

The opener "I Will Be The Wind" is a savage rock song. At times weird, at others brilliant. There will be extremely violent sections as well as very delicate violin ones (you know like...). The lead singer is still sounding as Walsh. A very good start.

During this effort, there will be three transitional tracks, each lasting for about one minute. None of them will sound interesting as such.

"Flag Of Convenience" opens like a madrigal. Almost Tull oriented. But after ninety second, we'll enter again into a wild rock song. Extremely powerful bass and drumming during this instrumental part. The vocal effort is very pleasant. This singer really knows how to please Kansas fans...The last instrumental borrows some Yes sounds as well, but the violin at the end will inevitably bring Zello to their roots...A very good and complex song.

With "Zwecia", we'll have a very long epic song. Over twenty-five minutes ! The long instrumental intro is just wonderful. A fantastic rhythm and a great violin play. Even if one has the impression to listen to a cover band, Zello is doing it with such a maestria that I just love it. The first vocal part is not really convincing for once. Too mellowish really. But the band will be great enough to erase this aspect. Again brilliant, diabolically powerful. It will switch though from violent to extremely sweet thanks again to the wonderful violin play like ...

P-O Saether will sounds a lot better during his second and brief incursion into this almost instrumental track so far. I really can't help : I just love this music even if this track sounds a bit lenghty. Some weaker moments here and there, but not too much to be honest. There will be some hard-rocking moments during "Zwecia" as well as very strong organ combinations. But, inevitably, we'll be brought to very melodic intrumental as well as vocal sections.

A portion of the last part reminds me of J-M Jarre. All in all, this number is quite pleasant to listen to. Not a masterpiece by all means of course, but very interesting. I was expecting though a great finale, but I won't get it.

"Anthem Of The Long Forgotten Loss" is another mighty song. All bombastic. This band sounds really incredible. I can't say anything else. The finale is fantastic : the superb violin transports me to heaven (well, almost). An excellent number. Probably my fave of this excellent album.

If, like me, most of you have suffered with some Kansas poor releases, Zello is an excellent alternative to compensate this. If you are not reluctant to bands sounding too much to some of the great names on PA, Zello definitely requires your attention.

If you belong to some purists like they are a lot here, just avoid it.

Since I belong to the former category of listeners, and I am probably more tolerant towards less original bands, I can only be pleased with the music displayed by Zello. Do not look for originality but just to good musical moments. Some hard-rocking ones and some very melodic ones as well.

And for the last time, if you just listen to this album without knowing it is Zello, you will definitely name the early Kansas as being the band playing here. If clone bands do not irritate you, Zello will only please you with his melodic and powerful music.

Four stars.