DEPARTURE

The Foundation is a swedish progressive rock band who beggines their career in early '80's inspired by bands like Genesis (Duke era), Camel and even The Police or Vangelis, as they said in the liner notes of the CD. They release a single album in 1985 named Departure, re release by Musea records some years ago. The music is very polished , very catchy, at least the first two tracks Walking Down the Avenue and Crossing Lines are simply killers, keeping in mind that this is a progressive rock album released in 1985, a decade when prog was clearly in the shadows, The Foundation succeded to come with a great album. As I said the music is very catchy , very competent musicians, they really know to compose a piece to be an truly pleasent listning from start to finish. What strikes me at this album is the keybords, very polished passages who interlude like gloves with the guitar and the rest of the instruments. Great musicianship and inventive arrangements. Another thing that worth mentioning is that they move from slow to more up tempo moments in a very distinctiv way, almost they had a nordic atmosphere in their sound, some bass line of the highest finess for sure. So, a very good album, quite unnoticed , to tell you, and for sure needs a better view. For those who enjoy Camel, Genesis, even in places the atmosphere turns is some more pastoral moments not far from Rousseau (Retreat era), same beautiful and elegant arrangements with keyboards keeping the main role, but not very in front, just to keep with the mood of the piece. Excellent. I will give easy 4 stars for this album, recommended, one of the most strong albums from progressive rock in the '80's. My CD vesrsion from Musea has a detailed history of their career and , intrsting band pictures. Very good album.