HOPE

Through storms and winds came the second album of Esthetic Pale in 1999 and that's because the line-up was half-replaced.The remaining members Claus Peter Fuhrmann, Matthias Ibelshäuser and Melanie Auer would welcome new female singer Katarina Nonhebel, bassist Andreas Voehringer and drummer Joachim Habernoll.''Hope'' was recorded in just five days and released independently by the band.This was reissued however the next year, as the band was picked up by the QuiXote lsbel.

Musically Esthetic Pale followed a similar vein as on their debut, a melodic Neo/Symphonic Prog, which contained enough twists and turns to satisfy a prog fan.There are seven new pieces in this album, left aside the short title-track and the rest of the fresh numbers are seven minutes or longer, characterized by their elaborate arrangements, nostalgic Prog influences, symphonic keyboards and atmospheric breaks.With two female vocalists on board the band resembles to acts such as MAGENTA and SOLSTICE, the music is well-crafted with interesting themes and a good sense of changing moods, mostly dramatic instrumentals, 80's Neo Prog sharp keyboard workouts and even some grandiose intros and outros.I often get an early COLLAGE vibe listening to this album, which balances nicely between keyboard-based Prog and more symphonic-oriented inspirations.Some acoustic lines and ethereal lyricism in the vein of MOSTLY AUTUMN and KARNATAKA are still present, the band would never escape from such kind of comparisons, but the musicianship ranges from decent to beautiful, blending intricate, instrumental twists with melancholic ideas and melodic underlines.The lengthy tracks are equal regarding their value, some are more laid-back, others are more dynamic with some stunning guitar and keyboard moves, but all of them are composed with passion and talent.

Quite overlooked band.''Hope'' contains nothing less than what you will find in a very good Neo/Symphonic Prog album, and that is demanding music, memorable melodies ans semi-symphonic passages in tight and convincing arrangements, supported by a good production.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.