ACROSTICHON

ISOPODA were formed in 1974 by by bassist/guitarist/singer Arnold De Schepper and guitarist Walter De Berlangeer in Aalst,Belgium.While started as a cover band,soon they began writing their own material in a complex progressive form.In 1977 Arnold's brother Dirk joins as lead singer.Soon after keyboardist Geert Amant jumps on board,with Arnold finding a co-arranger for his ideas.ISOPODA soon started delivering a number of great concerts/shows with make-ups and light efffects and the band was labeled as ''The Flemish Genesis''.Their debut ''Acrostichon'' (the flemish word for acrostic) was released in 1978 in Twinkle Records,re-released in 1995 on Musea Records with a bonus track.

STYLE: Not even trying to sound any different from the Classic Symphonic Rock bands of early 70's,ISOPODA's aim was obviously to re-capture the old prog spirit and deliver it to late-70's in a familiar way.The general style is soft and mellow folkish Symphonic Rock with an alternation between acoustic material featuring flutes,piano and acoustic guitars and more intense musicianship with keys on the front and a variety of demanding interplays.All these material is supported by the consistent vocals of Dirk De Schepper,which comes like a cross between Peter Gabriel and Greg Lake.Mainly long tracks (over 7 minutes) with plenty of space for the unfolding arrangements.Refined melodies,deep atmospheres,variety in instrumentation guarantee a professional result.

SOUNDS LIKE/INFLUENCES: ''Flemish GENESIS'' are actually not far from a succesful description. From the vocals to the acoustic passages and the organ style,everything reminds of the Classic Prog masters.Here and there I can detect also some early KING CRIMSON and ANGE touches.File next to bands like ENGLAND,TANTRA or even FRUUPP.

PLUS: A succesful re-presentation of the classic GENESIS sound with light but well- composed arrangements.Beautiful ''Trespass''-like acoustic textures.A great singer with no accent and a somewhat personal style despite the Gabriel-esque color of his voice.Very strong bass work by Arnold De Schepper.

MINUS: Absolutely far from the term ''original music'',ISOPODA had nothing new to offer to the prog scene.A few more intense passages wouldn't hurt either,as the whole album is rooted in a slow and very smooth tempo.

WILL APPEAL TO:...not a bad GENESIS immitator,so anyone into them should approach.Also a great addition for fans of Symphonic Rock and Progressive Folk Music.

CONCLUSION: A highly enjoyable album with plenty of interesting moments,but often the GENESIS influence is more than obvious to the point of plagiarism.Additonally the level of the compositions is somewhat far of GENESIS' best moments.3 stars is a fair rating I think.