RAIN DANCES

Following the success of their fourth album "Moonmadness" (released in March 1976) Camel experienced the first personnel amendment since their formation back in 1971. Andrew Latimer (guitar, flutes, vocals), Peter Bardens (keyboards), and Andy Ward (drums, vibes, percussion) bid farewell to their bass player Doug Ferguson, following that album's attendant tours, and while he went off to pursue other interests they considered how to plug the gap and set to work on formulating ideas for the next project. [CD liner notes; quoted without permission]. Richard Sinclair (previously with Caravan, Hatfield and The North) replaced Doug Ferguson as Camel's bass player.

"First Light" (5:00) is an instrumental track with Mel Collins on saxophone followed with what later became famous song "Metrognome" (4:19) which comprises a combination of melancholic lyrical part and long sustain keyboard, an exploration of a bit complex, avant-garde music where keyboard and sax work together in relatively medium-fast speed music. It flows to a completely mellow track "Tell me" (4:07) which sorry to say is less-melodic compared to typical Camel music. "Highways of the Sun" (4:32) is a pop song with a touch of Camel sound. The song reminds me to Steve Hackett's "The Toast" of Defector album. It's then followed with another song with similar style but a bit upbeat in tempo: "Unevensong" (5:34). "One of These Days I'll Get an Early Night" (5:59) is an experimental in nature as the band tries to use brass as main rhythm section featuring guitar, saxophone and keyboard solos.

"Elke" (4:31) is a bridge to connect with next instrumental track "Skylines" (4:26) which offers excellent keyboard solo. The concluding track "Rain Dances" (2:59) is another symphonic exploration by Peter bardens on his keyboard. It's hard to believe that this track is played by Camel. My CD has an additonal bonus "Highways of The Sun" - single version.

Even though this album is less powerful than its predecessor "Moonmadness" this album is a very good one to have in your collection. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW