DIRECT

Compared to the "Mask" album, the echoed atmospheres and some crystal clean percussive keyboards notes are still present, but the tracks are shorter, more accessible, with some programmed drums. Couples of tracks may sound like some Tangerine Dream circa "Le Parc" and "Underwater sunlight", especially "The will of the wind" and "Metallic rain", which have the identical Froese's electric guitar sound, and "Ave", having similar beat and keyboards rhythms. ALL the tracks have unforgettable melodies and beautiful celestial & dreamy arrangements. So, it makes a truly accessible pop New Age album. "Glorianna" has some moving opera-like female vocals and intense floating symphonic moods. "The Oracle of Appollo" is my favorite one: harp-like sounds through floating streams of keyboards: it seems to come down right from Heaven!! Celestial!! This album is ideal for a person who wants to know Vangelis.

Rating: 4.5 stars