MIRAGE

Firstly, I really like this band and this album, but this is just not five star work. There is a sharpened focus and higher level of maturity here not exhibited on their first record. Freefall is an absolute powerhouse. And, sorry diehard Camel fans, the Nimrodel- Procession-White Rider track has sections that highlight Latimer and Barden's instrumental brilliance yet has other sections that are, quite frankly, uninspired, dull and flat, case in point being the marching band sequence. Latimer's voice, depending on your perspective, is an asset or a liability... for me, it is melodious enough but it is thin. Perhaps this explains the band's decision to go instrumental on the next album, Music Inspired by the Snow Goose. This band could really crank when it wanted too, but, overall, their approach to progressive rock is unquestionably more restrained and subdued than those of Yes or Pink Floyd, with more emphasis on melody and more than a little jazz influence in their rhythmic leanings. Latimer's flute work is a major selling point of this record. It is mellow, dreamy and clean, stylistically quite different than the more percussive, tinny inclinations of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Musicianship is high throughout this recording. I highly recommend it, but it simply is not their magnum opus.