A NOD AND A WINK

The last three studio albums by Camel are for me return to the shape and confidence of the 70's. While not as experimental and visionary, Camel decided that progressive rock would be the album cornerstone.

Camel seem to have found their new face on the last two albums, in particular. Calm textures, elaborate guitar melodic lines, enough time for compositions to expand and limited singing to highlight instrumental ideas. Camel music has always had more feelings than an average prog band; late Camel can be as melancholic and mellow as some late 70's albums.

The first title track has both old and contemporary 90's prog sound with modern rock guitar, some synth sounds are also modern. "Simple pleasures" is notable for the marvellous guitar lines with great slides, it reminds a bit of Dire Straits. The drummer has some room to show off in the next "A boy's life". This is another relaxing track, sometimes even without drums and I would be slowly willing for more dynamism, which comes in the "Fox hill". This excellent track has tight interplay between keyboards and guitars. My personal highlight is the last "For today" - most emotions left till the end. This ballad starts a bit in a restrained manner with singing and sparse guitar. Then comes a Pink Floyd rhythm + Hammond and picteresqe guitar soloing that is tasty and original. The second part of the track is joined by multiple instruments to create a cresciendo of sounds and a memorable motive.

Camel was in their third creative phase until 2002 and this is another album that can stand on its own as a better work in their discography.