FACING GRAVITY

Among the several gigs following their debut Chandelier found also time to write down the first ideas for an upcoming sophomore work.So the waiting lasted only two years, as the band entered the TRO-Studios in Dormagen to record ''Facing gravity'' with the help of Toni Moff Mollo of Grobschnitt fame on vocals and Masaru Kikawa on the narration of ''Itai''.The album was again released on Sisyphus Records.

This was another loyal effort to the likes of MARILLION 80's British Prog-related groups by Chandelier with their music being driven by the soaring keyboards, the effective guitars and the deep, lyrical moments.As with ''Pure'', there are lots of variations is the sound, ranging from rhythmic and bombastic tones to atmospheric, song-based material.Personality is still absent, but everything on this album is well-played with sheer passion for Neo Prog aesthetics, maybe the drums' recording is a negative factor, sounding very flat and sterile.The arrangements are nice with many ups and downs, characterized by the emphatic FISH-like vocals of Eden (although he stated CAT STEVENS as his main influence) and the combination of sharp, symphonic synthesizers and soaring electric guitars.Towards a less commercial style, Chandelier even included their first attempt on a long composition, the 15-min. ''Glimpse of home'', an amalgam of the band's approach with light piano, bombastic synths and melodic guitars in evidence along with a couple of grandiose orchestral runs.Overall Chandelier's atmosphere on ''Facing gravity'' alternates between romantic textures with vocals in the forefront and more intricate musicianship with symphonic moves around.

The album has a strong 80's/90's flavor and ends up to be a typical product of the time.Fans of Neo Prog and the more accesible side of Symphonic Rock are warmly encouraged to chase this work.Definitely interesting but rather unoriginal music.