UNDER A NEW SIGN

The opener "A Different Man" is 100% Genesis oriented. "Wind Of Wuthering" period. This track "borrows" a lot to "Eleventh Earl Of Mar" for some of the keys parts. Knight Area produces a fantastic symphonic number. Evey single aspect of the music we (all ?) praised is here. Fabulous keyboards, wonderful guitar, nice and gentle vocals. Still, it could have been a bit more distant from its source of inspiration. Most of us (but not all) love these beautiful moments. The guitar solo at the end of the song is a pure jewel. There is definitely an added value with this band. They produce such a nice music...

The second number "Exit L.U.M.C." sounds very much like an Arena track. Powerful, harmonious of course, with great off-beat drum and bass play. Actually, there are no exit. We are plunged into the most beautiful prog music. Fantastic guitar play as well.

Arena is still present on the third number "Mastermind". Very powerful intro for this 100% neo-prog number. the heavy bass and the vigourous drumming are rather impressive. It is the type of track that simply blows you out. Superb. Keys on this number are PHENOMENAL.

"Under A New Sign" is a more straight-forward (commercial) number. The "overture" is again very promising : those keys are so beautiful ... This instrumental track is at times jazzy, which is rather unexpected. Something different in this ocean of symphonic moments.

The almost acoustic "Courteous Love" sounds a bit lighter in comparison with the other numbers of this album. We'll get the usual beautiful keys break for the finale of course. It saves this track and keeps the level of this album to a very high standard.

"Dreamweaver" is one of the rockiest number. It will even feature a riif very similar to "Jumping JackFlash" (Stones). A strange but interesting combination. Again, even if this number is probably the weakest of this album, the closing part sounds gorgeous.

Part II of "A Different Man" " is as great as the opener could be. Of course, Genesis is revisited as well. Light acoustic intro as in "Cinema Show". Lots of nice mellotro-like moments as well. This track will almost bring you to heaven (no stairway needed). Rinie on the lead guitar plays a long and beautiful solo. I guess one has come to earth to listen to such beautiful moments... So melodic. It is of course the best (portion of a) number on this album. Extreeeeeeeeeeemely beautiful.

Kinght Area was able to confirm their very good debut album (which was not an easy task). They deliver here an excellent album, even though some might argue that it is a bit too much borrowed to one of the master in the genre (which is true). Nonetheless, it is a pure jewel for the ears. All symphonic and bombastic moments.

You really need to give Knight Area a try. If ever they are coming close to you for a gig, do not hesitate : go and see them, you won't be disappointed. By no means. If you like great and powerful keys soli, Genesis-oriented music (Trespass & Selling) this album is made for you. Most of the tracks are rather lenghty, which was not the case of their debut album. This will lead to more research and sophistication.

Knight Area deserves more exposure. Do help them !

Four stars for this beautiful album (the second in a row).

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