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Arabesque - Tales of Power CD (album) cover

TALES OF POWER

Arabesque

 

Symphonic Prog

3.42 | 47 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

sgtpepper
3 stars The unknown American band recorded several tracks in the mid 70's that saw the spotlight in 2002. All of the songs are ambitious and rarely end before the 10-minute mark. Vocals are decent and keyboard usually dominate over guitar. Bass guitar is not very always very hearable also due to poor sound quality. Music is mainly upbeat and dynamic with great fill-ins. Besides progressive rock inspiration from Europe, you can hear American rock spirit evident from drumming and bass guitar. Keyboards are firmly rooted in progressive rock.

Hammong organ, moog and ARP are used frequently.

The first track has some good complex keyboards less focused on soloing and more on arrangements. Some moments invoke ELP or Collegium Musicum organ moments.

"Cobbler's knob" is somewhat darker thanks to guitar. It has keyboards with more modern seound than the first track - less Hammond and more Moog or synths. There is something jazzy in the air and the guitar+xylophone have Canterbury shade.

The third track "We the farmers' song" is the most catchy number. It is also more straighforward to give a break after two extended track. Briefly, Yes-inspired guitar can be heard. The synth solo is awesome. "as the novelty wears" is closer to classic rock than progressive rock. Noteworthy is a great electric piano solo.

"Except for dreaming" is the most doomy and dramatic piece, maybe a trip to the King Crimson realm? Unfortunately, the sound is even worse than on other tracks. Band members found inspiration also in more exotic rhythms as can be heard in the instrumental busy section.

This album does not bring anythin revoluationary or unforgettable to the progressive rock table, be it in the world's or American context. Moreover, the sound quality might put off some listeners with a very good audio equipment. Three stars ensured.

sgtpepper | 3/5 |

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