MIRAGE

Camel´s second CD, and first for the new label, is clearly a transitional album. It lacks the cohesive feel the band had in their original line up. That does not mean it´s a bad album. In fact, it includes what may be marked as their most famous song, Lady Fantasy. This 12 minute epic is a truly prog gem that makes everything worth it. Unfortunately the songs are not well balanced and they kind of spoil the overall sound throughout the CD.

The guitars on Mirage are heavier than any other album the band did at this stage of their career (and after that too, as a matter of fact). The group seemed to be trying to find some new ways, maybe. Freefall to me is the weakest track and opens the CD. Not a bad song really, but very different and quite heavy by Camel´s style. Bad choice for an opener. Supersister on the other hand is a beautiful tune much in the vein of their first album. Nimrod is another fine epic, a very underrated track. Earthride is also very good.

Conclusion: of the four first Camel´s albums this is the one I hear the least.The tracklist could be a whole lot better, but the songs themselves are very good at least. And production wise, this album sounds much better then their debut. I was temped to rate this album 3,5 stars, but that would be unfair. It is not a masterpiece, but an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Four strong stars.