MIRAGE

After the low-key, psych-tinged symphonic prog of their self-titled debut Camel would make a triumphant and spectacular return with this highly-regarded follow-up. 'Mirage' is, without a doubt, the group's crowning glory, featuring complex instrumentation, darker themes and a more overtly progressive style than 'Camel', showing just how far the band had progressed in a relatively short space of time. Regarded by both fans and critics alike as one of the defining albums of the symphonic prog sub-genre, 'Mirage' is filled with outstanding craftmanship from a band cruising at the peak of the impressive musical powers. The line-up was still in place, featuring Peter Bardens(keyboards), Andrew Latimer(guitar, flute, vocals), Doug Ferguson(bass) and Andy Ward(drums), and the same line-up would, over the next few years, produce at least two more stand out long-players to complete a remarkable quartet of great symphonic albums. Up there with Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here', Genesis' 'Nursery Cryme' and Yes' 'Close To The Edge', 'Mirage' is a stone-cold prog classic. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2010