HOLOGRAM

Clepsydra took their name from an ancient egyptian time measuring device, which worked on water (and not from a venerous disease as I first associated the name with many moons ago. lol). The collective from Lugano Schwitzerland hit the bullseye with their first release.

Hologram is a fine album in the neo-progressive vein, likeble from the start, with some very good musical passages. Clepsydra blend their melodic neo-progressive rock music (Marillion - Pendragon IQ similarities) with some influences from the 70's prog bands like Yes, Genesis, Rush and Pink Floyd/Camel. Hologram is a very melodic album, with a huge part for the beautifull keyboards from Philip Hubert, fabulous guitar work from Gabriele 'Lele' Hofmann, and a great voice (courtesy of Aluisio Maggini). With coverart created by H.R. Giger (also cover art for Brain Salad Surgery from ELP, and an Oscar for his creation of Alien).

Aluisio Maggini's voice reminds me on occasion of the vocalist of 'The Scorpions' Klaus Meine. A pleasant voice to listen to with a slight accent (both Italian as German, but he's Schwiss so who can blame him). The rhythm section Pietro Duca on drums and Andy Thommen on bass provide a solid base for the songs, without excuberant solo's but reasonable good. The best part of the band are the guitarist and the keyboards, just fabulous, great melodies and fabulous solo's.

Philip Hubert plays the keyboards, using both atmospheric keyboard sounds and effects, (with some similarities to Tony Banks, Clive Nolan and Mark Kelly), but also 'grand piano' sounds, just fabulous. The Gitarist Gabriele Hofmann sounds like a cross between Steve Hackett, Steve Hillage and a little Brian May thrown in for good measure, great solo's but also some quieter background work.

Hologram is a fairly soft atmospheric symphonic rock album, with a soft and slow build up of the songs, but always some edgy guitars or thrilling up-beat moments to be enjoyed. Best songs on this album (IMO) are New Day part I and II, Hologram and the hard rocking Facing Clouds of time, but the whole album provides enough pleasant and good moments to be considered a great album from start to finish. A great debut from a band that ranks up there with the greatest bands of neo-progressive rock. Listen and enjoy if you like melodic music.