RUNNING TO PARADISE

This is one of the albums that stengthens the phrase ''anything that doesn't kill you,just makes you stronger''.And,since prog wasn't exactly dead meat in the 80's,we can find rare little gems in this decade.One of them is the debut album of SIRIUS,a german band of early 80's with a strong 70's sound (at least in this album).The band's major figures were keyboardist/vocalist/pianist Stefan Neubauer and keyboardist/harpsichordist/string-synthesist Stefan Papshorst.This is also a strong example of a band that is influenced by another band,that is influenced by another band.So,SIRIUS are very similar to ENGLAND,who are very similar to YES (and in a lesser extend to GENESIS

The opening track is a masterpiece.Led by the piano of Neubauer,the band delivers excellent piano- driven melodic prog very close to ENGLAND.''The fiddler of Dooney'' is the surprise of the album with additional violin strings and flute,a very good work.''Why should...'' has a very YES-related sound with masterful starting vocal harmonies,while the eponymous track goes as much close as it gets to ENGLAND and YES,but it's one of the strongest tracks of the album with beautiful keyboards,nice flutes and superb vocals for one more time.''September 1913'' delivers again melodic symph prog with great guitars by Martin Vogel similar to STEVE HACKETT's style of playing,excellent piano and amazing vocal sections.''From mountain...'' comes next and it is one of my favourites of the album,very YES-oriented and very keyboard-driven with beautiful interplays between all instruments and again the vocals are amazing and do have a leading role.''Cocooning inside'' is a romantic piano-driven instrumental piece of music,while ''The happy townland'' is a great closer,with fast guitar solos,amazing vocal harmonies and thrilling piano-guitar interplays!

Another obsure band from the 80's,SIRIUS proove that they were excellent musicians and composed some of the most insired music in 80's prog.The truth is I can't find any reason why this album can't be considered a masterpiece,hardly I can find a weak point through the album.However,due to the lack of originality it would be more fair to give this work a 4 star rating,but add a half star more cause' I'm very sensible with bands from the 80's that tried to pur progressive music.So,my final rating is 4.5 stars...Very close to a masterpice and absolutely essential!