SERPENTS IN CAMOUFLAGE

"Serpents In Camouflage" is the debut full-length studio album by UK, London based progressive rock act Citizin Cain. The album was initially self-released in 1992 but has since seen several label reissues (the first in 1993 through Silly Insects Records). Citizen Cain formed in 1982 and working as a trio they played quite a few shows until 1988 when they disbanded without leaving behind anything recorded. However lead vocalist George Scott "Cyrus" opted to reform Citizen Cain in 1990 and assembled a new lineup to record the material featured on "Serpents In Camouflage".

Stylistically the material on the 6 track, 59:38 minutes long album is neo-progressive rock, which sounds a lot like the most complex Marillion songs off the first two albums with Peter Gabriel on vocals. IQ is another valid reference. There´s next to nothing on "Serpents In Camouflage" that won´t remind you of the mentioned artists and it´s a bit of a shame, because Citizin Cain are obviously skilled musicians and they are also decent composers (the tracks are generally too long and lacks some memorable moments), so they have the right tools to create something a bit more unique. They have just chosen not to...and instead wear their influences 100% on their sleeves.

"Serpents In Camouflage" features a sound production which suits the music style, which means that it´s a bit trebly, clear, and detailed, and maybe lacking a bit of heavy bottom, but the latter is probably a conscious choice. In many ways this should be the ultimate wet dream for fans of neo-progressive rock, who by 1992 were probably a bit disillusioned after the demise of Fish-led Marillion and the end of the neon colored 80s, but I´m not sure this is exactly what the doctor ordered. I hear all the right ingredients featured on the album, but something just doesn´t click. Too much content..not enough substance and depth. Still a 3 star (60%) rating isn´t all wrong.