NAVIGATOR have been absent from the scene for eight years. But now, to celebrate their
return, Marcangelo Perricelli, Rob Thurman, Michael Soro - all together with new fellow, Rick
Catanese - united for the group's third wayfaring. The material on CD 'Phantom Ships'
displays explicit sympho prog characteristics, and extended almost 66 minutes. The album
kicks off with a 17+ minute epic 'Life', embracing the varying time signatures and complex
arrangements. Beside ambitious blocks of power, there is a plenty of soft interludes. As pipe
organs combine with guitar licks, pulsating bass and solid drums keep everything to move
along. Tremendous musicianship is accompanied by the vocals. Utilizing his soulful voice,
Marcangelo Perricelli creates a special aura. The second track, 'Open Air', sounds completely
different than the rest of the bunch. It's a sort of enjoyable British neo-progressive style. This
composition wouldn't have been out of place on any Jadis release. Rob Thurman provides the
lead singing here. Next up, 'Burned', which appears to pay some homage to rather aggressive
intensity. Halfway through the song, heavy parts change places with a gentle intermission.
Then, we have a nifty instrumental 'Beautiful River', where Michael Soro leans towards Joe
Satriani ('Not Of This Earth' period). To keep a mellow pace, Navigator segues into graceful
signature of 'Now That You're Gone'. This pearl starts with a gentle sequence to get into
balladic mode full of sincerity and passion. Most closely, it resembles classic Genesis, whilst
floaty traces of Pink Floyd can be heard in purposeful soloing. Another instalment is finely
crafted 'Snow Angel', a feel going back to Kansas. The band follows this up with a title track,
'Phantom Ships', incorporating a blend of drifting bliss and grating feedback. The versatility is
brimming with a bevy of twists and turns, dynamics and rich melodies, topped by Marco
Perricelli who gives a meaning to the lyrical content. The atmospheric magnitude gradually
changes to become proggy in nature, bringing to my mind the 70's Genesis, Rush, Spock's
Beard and Transatlantic. The CD ends on a short instrumental, 'Rinascimento', clocking in
only 2 minutes. It's a real showcase for Michael Soro's approach. The delicate guitar lines fit
nicely in between Steve Hackett and Steve Howe. Just a wise decision to wind up the excellent
album, feeling at ease... Welcome back, Navigator!!!
PH |5/5 |
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