MIRAGE

Second and eponym album by Camel. Released in 1974 it reveals in part Camel's original sound to come: talented keyboard's parts, short technical interludes delivering the improvised capacities of the musicians, effective melodies. "Freeball" is a heavy rock song mainly based on the instrumental section. "Supertwister" is a small interlude with sympathetic flute parts. "Nimrod - The Procession - The White Rider" represents the progressive part of the album; with a long introduction and various melodic instrumental parts harmonised by calm, rather discreet vocals. "Earthrise" is a catchy "rhythmical" song with interesting guitar plans. "Lady Fantasy" represents the summit of the album with fascinating keyboard / guitar duet and a nice flavour of psychedelic / supernatural atmosphere. Globally this album sounds old dated, also maybe to accessible & mainstream for me to consider it as a progressive rock masterpiece. However a pleasant listening and one of the best offered by the band.