COMPLAINT OF THE WIND

This is the first album from this discreet Belgian band. Mario Guccio (from Machiavel) doing the backing vocals, while the young Hervé Borbé is playing the keys. After the "Now" split, he will join "Machiavel" (he is still playing with them as I write).

Under these circumstances, there is no wonder that "Now" sounds a bit like the symphonic "Machiavel" (the one from the seventies of course). This is easily noticeable during "Ballade For A Soul". "Genesis" is also very close in the short "Preliminary".

Lead vocals are on the soft (mellow) side. Nick Barrett ("Pendragon") or Martin Wilson ("Grey Lady Down") oriented. Probably less passionate and warm, but still very pleasant.

This album was released in 1988, and the popish / AOR sound is very present on this first album. While it is bearable during "Welcome To The Dreamworld, the next one (To find Your Track) is as weak as some poor YesSongs out of the eighties/nineties.

This album also flirts with the neo-prog genre to be honest; and I can't say that I am thrilled while listening to "Runaway's Fight"; on the other hand, the romantic "The Troubadour" is very melodic and includes a very good and emotional guitar break (hi Nick).

This album ends on two of the best numbers featured. Both "Dreamaker" and even more "The Complaint Of The Wind" are fully symphonic, catchy and very well executed. Let's hope that "Now" will pursue into this direction for their upcoming albums.

A good album. Three stars.