THE DREAM HARBOUR

I was quite taken with the previous album by WILLOWGLASS called "Book Of Hours" and so it was a no-brainer to pick this one up. This time we get American Steve Unruh adding violin, flute and guitar as well as guest drumming from German Hans Schmitz. Andrew Marshall is the mind behind this project and he composed all of the music as well as being the producer. Once again there is a strong GENESIS vibe but I have to mention the gorgeous cover art, as well as the pictures in the liner notes, all had my undivided attention. And it was a surprise to read the Lee Gaskins is the artist who created these beautiful pictures.

"A House Of Cards Pt. 1" is the over 20 minute opener. I find the synths annoying to start as the violin and drums join in. We get a GENESIS-like rhythm as the flute joins in. The organ starts to pulse and then we get a calm with violin and piano before 6 minutes. It's darker a minute later then it kicks back in with flute, drums and more. More pulsating organ and some intricate guitar before 10 minutes then the violin returns before 13 minutes. A change follows as the mellotron and drums lead. Great section! More violin and then the pulsating organ returns 15 1/2 minutes in. A calm just before 18 minutes as mellotron and flute join in as it stays pastoral to the end.

"A Short Intermission" is just that, a 1 1/2 minute piece that's quite bright well at least until the flute arrives. "A House Of Cards Pt. 2" opens with the synths and drums leading the way then it settles in as the violin starts to play over top. Good stuff. Gotta love the flute after 3 1/2 minutes. The pulsating organ becomes prominent as well. I like how it turns dark with mellotron 6 1/2 minutes in. "Interlude No.2" is acoustic guitar melodies and percussion sounds. "The Dream Harbour" is a Symphonic piece with sweeping mellotron sounds and acoustic guitar. The violin joins in changing the flavour slightly. Flute, drums and violin lead later. "Helleborine" is another short piece at just over 2 minutes. Beautiful is the word. "The Face Of Eurydice" has such a great intro, so majestic. Not a fan when it changes after 1 1/2 minutes but when it changes again before 3 minutes i'm smiling right to the end.

3.5 stars. I just don't think it's as good as the previous one, well not according to my tastes but it you like beautiful Symphonic music you should check this band out.