KALEIDOTHROPE

Belgian outfit Quantum Fantay has built up a reputation as a band exploring musical territories prety cloe to Ozric tentacles with their first two efforts. And while the similarities still exist on this third studio effort of theirs, the similarities are less obvious on this venture.

Swirling synths and atmospheric flute soloing is still features found on most efforts, and the space-tinged searching guitar soloing is also evident on many occasions this time around. But the musical foundation on quite a few efforts have more of a distinct hard rock sound to it, and big - at times massive - dramatic synth layers have more of a symphonic and art rock touch than space and psychedelia on many occasions.

Although different in sound and style, the elements used to some extent reminds me of German band Eloy on their Colours album from 1980 - but at least at this point in their career Quantum Fantay are unable to mix these elements to creations that make an impact above the ordinary. At least in the studio.

The best efforts on this album are the ones closest in sound to Ozric Tentacles as I regard it, and there's enough such ventures here to recommend this album to followers of bands pursuing that style too. At least as long as perfection through and through aren't expected.