SPARTACUS

TRIUMVIRAT were more then just an ELP clone, but comparisons are impossible to avoid. These guys were borrowing too much. The main theme of the opening track is almost a carbon copy of opening theme in ELP's song "Trilogy". Even the synth sound is the same brassy lead. Somehow, they manage to made up for that: melody derives into something else later, with lovely arrangements and nice vocals - which again sound a bit too much like Peter Gabriel.

The technical level is far from their idols, and because it's impossible to throw out the comparisons from the mental picture, they sound like something's missing...however, palette of the sounds is lovely although a bit too typical for the era.

There lies the problem - this is a pleasant listening album, but it aged very badly.

Imagine a symph trio a la ELP, with Gabriel-esque vocals, traces of (symphonic) Tull and loads of ELO's pompousness...the final result is nice, but nothing to be re-discovered after generations. The plot of a concept is irrelevant for the music, and I wasn't paying attention to the lyrics.

If I had to convince someone who is not the fan of prog rock that genre is actually not hilarious, tacky, pointless, boring and overblown, I would never pick this record for an example....because it represents all of that, actually.

However, for those who have no prejudices - from dedicated symphonic rock fans to the wider audience - this album will provide enjoyable moments and catchy melodies. It's just nothing special. However, if you're fan of sympho rock and/or 70's synth sounds, it's worth giving a try.