TIME IS...

A nice album that, despite some defects (first of all the uncertainties of the vocals) is a good addition to a record collection of progressive rock.

The opening track is Ice Queen. The sound of a wind storm introduces the song. The style of the band reminds immediately Van Der Graaf Generator. Highlights are the intense use of wind instruments and the central instrumental part in jazz style. Final crescendo with beautiful harmonies and a good flute solo. A piece of excellent quality. Rating 7 / 10.

A slow guitar riff opens Empty Houses, the second track on the album. The first vocal part is quite hard, and in some ways is reminiscent of bands like Uriah Heep, for example. Then an instrumental section with great use of winds and organ, however, soon brings the band back in the territories of VDGG. Rating 7 / 10.

Insolent Lady begins with delicate voice, acoustic guitar and flute. The pleasant melody continues at the end of the vocals, and with the use of other instruments (piano, bass guitar and synth), acquires more solemnity. In this part Cressida comes immediately to mind. After that, the song continues in a more aggressive way, with some tempo changes, until the final crescendo. This final section is masterfully played, with beautiful guitar, piano and winds, but shame about the vocals, too shouted for my taste and not in tune with the atmosphere of the song. Rating 7 / 10

Miracle Worker is an excellent piece in jazz style, where even the vocals are finally decent. Great use of wind as usual and great guitar riffs. An excellent change of pace leads to the instrumental section (which includes organ and guitar solos) with an exciting crescendo. Probably the best track on the album. Rating 8 / 10.

The beginning of Religion reminds me in some ways "Raid" (a song of a Charisma band called Audience). The song has a strange, dark atmosphere and is fully supported by the incessant sound of the sax. The ending could perhaps be further developed. Rating 6 / 10.

In the last song of the album Raw Material try to recreate Pink Floyd sound, without good results. Sun God opens with delicate synths and electric guitar, and it develops slowly, in a way so similar to what Floyd did for "Echoes", but without reaching the same results. The song is characterized by incoherent combination of different musical ideas, not entirely completely developed, and the result is frankly disappointing. The vocals are mediocre and also lack the extraordinary use of winds that characterized the previous songs. Rating 4 / 10.

Not essential, but surely good and recommended especially to fans of VDGG. Rating 6 / 10.

Best Song: Miracle Worker

Rewiew milestone #50 by DN.

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