ILLUSIONS ON A DOUBLE DIMPLE

Let me start by saying that it is wrong to label and dismiss this fantastic group as an "ELP clone"-a close examination of Triumvirat's music, and one will soon realise that they are a group in their own right (and a greatly under-rated one, in the grand scheme of things) The album Illusions On A Double Dimple is their best, and also the best progressive rock album of the whole seventies decade.

This is real classical rock, and i love classical music. Any way you look at the sound they create, every aspect of it is done so right, and it hangs together and stands the test of time, not only because it is technically well done music, but full of emotion in the same breath. Jurgen Fritz's keyboard work throughout is amazing, Hans Bathelt's drumming is a thrill to follow, and in the middle of that is the awesome Rickenbacker bass, and six-string guitar playing of the late Helmut Koellen, along with his wonderful vocals, one of the most naturally musical voices in all of rock. For me, it is Helmut's presence in this recording the makes everything fit together so well, as it does with the following album Spartacus. It is a mistake to overlook Helmut Koellen's subsequent solo album You Won't See Me, released after his death in 1977, also evidence of his overall great and spirited musicality.

I never discovered Triumvirat's music until the eighties, so unfortunately never saw them live, but this album is so gutsy and exciting, as well as brilliant, it truly is the next best thing. No other group from this period stands a chance against this wonderful recording, and there are two single tracks included in the 2002 remastered edition that are just as appealing as the album itself, with the result that everything jives even better than previously imagined. Progressive rock at its best! Five deserving stars.