SOLITARY WITNESS

The lead singer is quite performing, and Uwe D'Röse dispatches quite interesting guitar solo. Their overall music is influenced by "Marillion" (Mark I of course) and their more pop- prog sound ("Forever Young" or "Foxing The Fox"). The former is even completed with a very pleasant atmospheric and Floydean guitar break in the middle part which conveys to this song a certain style. One of the best song from this debut. Moving, really (like the short "After I Died Somewhere".

The music is not challenging but running smoothly through your ears; the melodic and more symphonic instrumental "April First" is a perfect example to highlight this. When "Terracotta Army" starts obviously with some Chinese partitions and evolves towards a heavy and slow paced piece of rock. It is very similar to "Kashmir". Even Damien Wilson has some Robert Plant intonations. I can feel the same while I listen to the closing number: it really sounds as a Led Zep acoustic tune. (during the first half mainly). Not bad actually.

There are also some "Arena" friends in here: Groom for the production (but he also brought Damien on board, which was a great idea), Clive Nolan for about half the lyrics and Ian Salmon for a brief apparition. Some fine contribution, shall I say.

There are lots of links to "Pendragon" 's music as well; especially the beautiful and melodic guitar play. Excellent really. But all these musicians are playing their role with enthusiasm and skills.

The short epic "Suite St. Helens" opens on a formidable instrumental part. Another highlight from this album which is from start to finish a well balanced ensemble. Moving and personal vocals, skilled and passionate guitar, a good combination between sung parts and instrumental ones. What else to say?

This work should please any neo-prog fan who leans towards some added symphonic touches. Seven out of ten (upgraded to four stars).

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