FANFARE & FANTASY

I took a punt on this, I added it to my wish list for Solstice after doing a symphonic prog top CD's for 2013 - and this one looked promising. So I listened , and Yeah - for a debut listen for me this CD REALLY appealed to me. I like the singing and the lyrical content (which is unusual for me as of late) but the sort of feeling the CD had (somebody called it "dad Prog", because of it's feel-good essence?). Anyway, I can see how those who like edgy, and more avant-garde stuff would REALLY HATE THIS! However, it's appeal was evident from spin one for me, as it's basis is surely Genesis/Yes/ELP/Camel from the early seventies mixed with a more modern neo-prog element. Don't get me wrong - this band is not a tribute band of any-kind, they manage to sort of merge several influences to create very pleasant catchy-prog! Track's 2 and 9 are the best I think but the CD has an overall consistency that is refreshing. There are No "Skip-button" moments with this CD. It has some very fine Guitar solos in several styles. It also has nice keyboards (especially organ and mellotron/string synth). It has an anti- religious track (The Cause) with thought provoking lyrics (take-note Mr Morse)! I think that this may be a band that are going places (musically that is) - I hope that they are more adventurous with their next release and produce the pomposity that Pallas would have done if the record company would have allowed it!!! I can't give it the full five stars because too many tracks have a fade-out (and no EPIC) and I don't like that - FINISH TRACKS OFF don't fade them away it's far too popish !!! So lads if you read this, brush off the mellotron and pomposity power chords and get writing that epic that takes the symphonic prog scene by the scruff of the neck and shakes it to it's foundations!!