OLD LOVES DIE HARD

In my opinion Triumvirat made two real prog masterpieces during the 70's: Spartacus and Illusion on a Double Dimple, both previous to Old Loves. And even when their career declines after these album Triumvirat is one of the most interesting prog bands of the 70's.

Many people compares Triumvrat style with ELP. There are some similarities but Triumvirat style is more quiet, classical and melodic than ELP. And the lyrical and vocal work is far better than ELP.

The album opens with the beautiful I Believe, a lovely song with a great vocal work by Barry Palmer. Is a kind of opera rock ballad with some poppish elements but good at last. Next song is a long piece (almost a mini epic) named A Day In A Life: a very floating intro leads into a inspired piano solo and a closing section really proggy lead by Jürgen Fritz synths and keyboards. The History of Mystery Part I starts with a kind of reprise of A Day in a Life that turns into a section dominated by synths and keys which reminds me some of the best parts of Spartacus but with a lack of inspiration.

The History of Mystery Part II starts with a reprise from the previous one. Once again the reference to Spartacus are undeniable. The we have another beautiful song with great vocals by Barry Palmer, A Cold Old Worried Lady, a ballad leaded by a great rhythmical piano background. The next song, Panic on 5th Avenue, could be amazing, but the last minutes are really repettive and almost bored. Anyway, synths and keys sounds good and in some moments you can feel the panic... At last, Old Loves Die Hard, another bautiful song with some pop elements but very melodic.

Anyway, not one of the Triumvirat masterpieces but a really good album and one of those hundred prog little jewels we can't forget.