DEBUT AT DUSK

First and, as far as I know, only album by this 80's american band. The sound is a big mix of late 70's Kansas, plus some Asia and Magnum overtones. The harmonies are their forte, the musicianship is good and the songs show some promise. Too bad they did not release anything else, because they really seem to be talented. It really looks that their songwriting needed only a little maturity to bring out some really fine tunes. What really mars it all is the production. It is below average, even by the 80's standards. My CD was obviously mastered (if I anyone can call that mastering) straight from a vinyl copy. You can hear some scratches here and there. And that does not help the already poor original production. If you can get a hold of a remastered version (if ever there is one), and like the aforementioned bands, I recommended it.

3.5 for sure

Blind Owl is one of the forgotten neo prog bands from the 80's from USA. Formed in Boston in mid '80's they manage to release only one album in 1988 named Dubut at dusk. I realy like this unknown and obscure album, neo prog very much like Saga , very melodic with warm vocal arrangements and fine keyboards parts. The album didn't get attention and they disbanded sooner after, but was re released on CD some years after to the delight of many collectors and prog listners. The main composer Bruce Alger, responsable here for keyboards, guitar and vocal parts did a great job, very fine and intriguing vocal arrangements, in Camel style , warm wit an excellent range. Also he will form Eccentric Orbit later, another excellent prog rock band with talented musicians. The music is also more then ok, with fine guitar passages, syth and keybords moods , but owerall songwritting is little dated now, but by no means bad. So, a great discovery for me some years ago, only now manageing to re listen and give a proper review of this talented yet unnoticed band. Fans of Saga, and melodic neo prog bands will enjoy this release.

An underground American band from the 80's, coming from Boston and performing in the wider New England area, but only appreciated by a cult fan base.Blind Owl were keyboardist/vocalist Bruce Alger, guitarist/vocalist Michael Amedure, bassist/vocalist Kenneth Bates and drummer Brian Emerson.They recorded only an independent LP in 1988, titled ''Debut at dusk'', later reissued in CD format by Raptor Records.

Typical sound for an 80's US Prog group, this is a very pompous, often AOR-flavored but also slightly symphonic effort with certain crosslinks to British groups such as PALLAS and ABEL GANZ.Arrangements are centered around harmonic vocals, plenty of layered synthesizers and some alternating hard and smooth guitar moves with the appropriate interruptions for more sentimental soloing.Not the best in the league, but the music is executed with much energy, even if the production is quite muddy.They also draw some influences from 80's YES, fortunately not their crap stuff, but the more decent moments of the band.Quirky keyboard lines and bombastic sections are combined here with vocal depth and some fine instrumental parts, while the last couple of tracks are also pretty long and written with some cool variations.Compatriots EPISODE also spring to mind during these pieces, where the bahd tries to throw in a more complex and adventurous style with big time symphonic keyboards and emphatic orchestrations, delivering dramatic moods and varied tempos.''Moroccan sand'' even introduced the sound of some ethnic tunes, performed on keyboards, but do not expect an above average result, better stick with the other tracks, which sound more convincing and focused.

Bruce Alger was also involved in a couple of other projects/artists around the time and appears to be the only member stuck in the prog world, he was an original member of keyboard Prog act Eccentric Orbit back in 2000, but his stint with the band lasted only one year.

Very British-sounding US Prog from the 80's.Pompous, atmospheric, energetic and passionate with a questionable production, very respectable work.Recommended, especially if 80's-styled keyboards do not bother your ears.