CRESSIDA

Very fresh debut album, I'm really glad to have discovered Cressida; pop can be interesting and proggy, indeed. The album comprises of a dozen well crafted, enjoyable progressive pop songs with distinctive sound and soft atmosphere. Folk, classical, psychedelic and jazz influences are also found here, but in rather small amounts. You might even compare the music to THE BEATLES, though this is more elaborate. The most similar album I can think of at the moment is SPRING' self titled album.

Standout songs are on the album's first half and include playful ''To Play Your Little Game'', jazzy ''Time For Bed'' and catchy ''Home And Where I Long To Be''. ''Depresion'' offers some really nice electric guitar work, followed by a rattling organ solo. Very good! In my opinion, second half of the album falls in quality, songs are slower and somehow get less of your attention, although remaining equally well executed; musicianship is really good here. The last song, ''Tomorrow Is A Whole New Day'', slightly improves the overall impression with it's soaring finale.

Organs are omnipresent and organ addicts will likely hold this album close to their hearts. There are also some nice piano melodies. Vocals are very pleasant, while the guitar is mostly acoustical with frequent electric (sometimes fuzzed and heavy) riffs and solos.

I'm very close to giving it 4 stars, but... maybe some other time.