INSIDE

Inside presents a complete Eloy-makeover. Vocalist Schriever left the band and with him went much of the bluesy influences. Guitarist Frank Bornemann took over the main vocal duties and while he does that quite adequately here, I think his limited range and flat delivery have condemned Eloy to play in the second-league of Prog, missing the inspiring front-man presence to measure up to the great UK examples.

Inside is largely instrumental organ-heavy psychedelic rock with notable British influences from Jethro Tull and Uriah Heep. Compared to the debut, the songwriting is more accomplished and adventurous. On the 17 minute Land of No Body, I feel the band stretched their ambitions a bit too far maybe, with a song that lacks truly memorable moments. But there are enough nicely flowing instrumental sections to enjoy. Inside is a rather average song balancing slow seeping sections balancing against harder rocking parts, Future City appeals more to me and would have fitted nicely on Jethro Tull's Benefit and Up And Down sounds like Uriah Heep in a psych mood.

Inside is a nice step upwards from the debut and generally an accomplished piece of prog. Recommended for fans of rocking prog albums such The Yes Album, Foxtrot, Benefit or even Salisbury. 3.5 stars for sure