FOR KING AND COUNTRY

Cyan

Neo-Prog

3.42 | 55 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

"Cyan" is a rather confidential band. Five releases for review and five commented ones in total !

They really deserve more exposure, believe me. If you are a Genesis fan (anyone out there ?), you surely will like this band. When you listen to "The Sorceror", a king of magic operates. Their leader, Rob Reed is really a good keyboard player and the sounds he produces will definitely remind you the Banks's ones. But "Cyan" is absolutely not a Genesis clone.

The songs are quiet, melodic and almost fully keyboards-oriented (although there is some guitar work). Actually, this release is a one-man album : Rob Reed. He plays all the instruments.

When you read the story available on their web-page, it is almost a miracle that this release will see the light. The band was formed in 1984, even will split before having released their first album. Only a demo was recorded. Amazingly enough, Nick Barrett (Pendragon) had got hold of this tape and offered it to a fan. This guy wrote to Rob in 1991 and he was convinced to rework the original tracks and to complete these with new songs to have sufficient material to release an album. So, thanks to Nick (who was fan of Cyan), we can listen to this album. Nice story.

As nice as the music of Cyan can be. Just listen to "Man Amongst Men" which features more guitar than average and which sounds almost lile a ...Pendragon song ! Extremely melodic, peaceful. A jewel of harmony. The second highlight of this album.

The most Genesis related track is probably "Nightlight". A rocking instrumental more guitar-oriented. Great play : inspired and so passionate (Latimer's style). "Snowbound" is more commercial but very pleasant ot listen to. The beat reminds me "Camel" but the synths again are really close to Tony Banks.

This is an anecdotal album, but so beautiful. It features brilliant instrumental music and sweet vocals. So symphonic...

Four stars for this treasure.

ZowieZiggy | 4/5 | 2007-9-11

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Share this CYAN review

Social review comments () BETA

Review related links

Send comments to ZowieZiggy
Report this review (#137789)
Buy CYAN music online with PA partners
Show all CYAN MP3/Stream
Go to CYAN page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
Go to For King and Country page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
Search the Forum for CYAN related discussions