ACROSS THE WATER

JADIS "Across The Water" I purchased it in May, 1999. I do agree that the music is in a way has some similarity with IQ but when I look in to deep, it's basically different in style and nature. While IQ is basically a keyboard-based music in terms of rhythm and basic structure with add on of guitar solo and keyboard solo, melodic singing line. JADIS' style revolves around guitar solo by the band's leader Gary Chandler. While the music of IQ is practically fluent and fluid in nature in terms of flow, the music of Jadis has basically lacked melody that flows naturally from one segment to another - it tends to be flat. It does not necessary mean than the music of JADIS is bad at all - in fact, if the mood is right, I can enjoy the music of JADIS quite well.

This album was released one year after the release of seminal album by IQ: "Ever" but in terms of musicality this one is less attractive than "Ever". Why I am referring to IQ? Because it was said the music is similar and in fact the musicians that contribute to this album is HALF IQ because Martin Orford (Keyboard) and John Jowitt (bass) are basically from IQ. There are flavours of IQ especially on musical breaks that happen between segments where Martin provides his keyboard work. I can hear it clearly from the opening two tracks like "Touch" and "In Isolation". One thing very obvious on bass playing style by Joh Jowitt who by this album has become JADIS' main line-up. In previous album "More Than Meets The Eye" he was just a session player.

Gary Chandler delivers stunning guitar solo like the one in track two "In Isolation" at approx min 4:50. His guitar solo sometimes remind me to guitar solo of Mike Holmes (IQ). In some segments in this album I can find some similarities between IQ and JADIS. However, they do not sound similar on song by song basis. For example, the intro of track 3 "Daylight Fades" may be referred to IQ music in its ambient but not in guitar work which reminds me to jazz fusion music. The long sustain keyboard work sounds like an IQ song and especially when vocal enters at minute 1:20, there is a proximity with IQ. But the way guitar is played during solo is different.

Track 5 "A Life Is All You Need" starts with an ambient music using sampling drumwork followed by dragging vocal line. This track demonstrates a vocal harmony and nice guitar solo that starts at minute 1:43. John Jowitt bass guitar work is quite tight accompanying the guitar solo that flows excellently. On track 6 "The World On Your Side" Gary provides a nice acoustic guitar work with flute-like sound. It reminds me to early Genesis music.

Overall, this is a good presentation of music mainly dominated by Gary Chandler's guitar solo. Fans of neo progressive music would love this album, I believe. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW