Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Camel - Breathless CD (album) cover

BREATHLESS

Camel

 

Symphonic Prog

3.17 | 959 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
2 stars In appreciating a music, I have a general rule of thumb. If the first track is not compelling, the next tracks might not be compelling also. But usually I don't stop here and I give another chance to listen next tracks. But if it has consumed about half way of the overall duration and there is no such compelling track at all, forget it the album must be not a compelling one to enjoy. It happens with this sixth studio album of Camel. It truly disappointed me at first listen as it experienced major drop from their ground breaking "Moonmadness" album. I could sense the drop since "Rain Dances" album. Honestly, nothing wrong with composition and musicianship as both are still good. But I'm questioning these two things: where is the melody? Where is the harmony? There is no such thing demonstrated here. Camel who has been famous with their melody, has lost its power here with this album. Sorry to say, the first track is totally out of focus in terms of melody and harmony. It does not seem improving even until track 2, track 3 and track 4. What happened with the band?

Through track 5 "Starlight Ride" the band has put its effort to rejuvenate on melody department with a sort of melancholic style with sweet and nice opening augmented with guitar, flutes, and keyboard. But it sounds to me not elevating much on the spirit of good and melodic music. Track 5 is not really bad at all actually but it's not representing the full potential of the band creativity. Track 6 "Summer Lightening" (6:03) is another song with a very weak structure and melody. "You Make Me Smile" (4:13) is also weak in melody. With "The Sleeper" (7:02) Camel wants to present the music in different style, i.e with brass section and some jazz/rock fusion music. It's a good track even though it's not typical sound of Camel. But the song helps elevate the overall image of this album. "Rainbow's End" (3:00) closes the album with a "bit" melodic style.

Overall, this album is good for collectors or fans only. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 2/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this CAMEL review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.