IN A MOMENT OF COMPLETE MADNESS

The first five songs from this record were originally taped on cassette in 1989. The popish and very average opening has little to do with prog and is frankly weak. "Second Life" and "Parade" holds more of what the neo-prog genre has to offer but both are really candid, yet optimistic. Very accessible prog, maybe too much even if these two are enjoyable tracks.

What I like the most are the fine vocals available here. Of course, Stuart Nicholson might not have a wide range of abilities but his joyful tone of voice conveys such a positive feeling that I am charmed. He reminds me of Martin Wilson from "Grey Lady Down", even if musically the latter band was much more interesting IMO.

"Lady Messiah" is more elaborate. Almost ten minutes of theme changes, weird parts, heavy keys and a strange mood is felt during the second part. Almost chaotic and disjointed. Totally different than what has been available so far. "Painted Lady" (less than two minutes) as well as "Ghost Of Durtal" were already recorded back in . 1985, while "Welcome To Paradise" saw the light in 1987. In these days, the band was covering songs such as "Whole A Lotta Love", "Tocatta" and "Garden Party". Quite different styles.I guess they didn't really know which direction to head for.

The longest track of this album also sounds experimental at times (like "Lady Messiah"). But I believe that this band is not really in his shoes while playing this sort of music. Still, "Ghost Of Durtal" is one of the best stuff available on this record. Vocals again convert this song into a really charming one. Scary middle part during which one can listen some "ghosts" talking and an emotional finale are peppering this good song.

The closing number "Welcome To Paradise" also ranges to the good category. It is my fave from this album. Very much Genesis oriented, efficient Nicholson again, surrounded by church organ and convincing guitar play. As you can see, this album holds some nice songs: the longest ones (three but clocking at almost thirty minutes). Five out of ten would be reasonable but I'll upgrade it to three stars thanks to Welcome.

Two stars.

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