INDIGO

Post-Kyrie Eleison Austrian band, found in Wien in 1982 by keyboardist Gerald Kramp and bassist Norbert Morin.For their first album they recruited singer Anzo, guitarists Robert Altmann and Walter Kramer and drummer Michael Graf.At the same time Krampl established the IndigoMusic label in order to release and distribute Indigo's albums.The self-titled debut of the band was recorded at Knatterton Studios in Wien and eventually released in 1984.

Walking on the same line with music industry's needs, Indigo performed some fairly commercial and melodic Progressive/Art Rock with strong KYRIE ELEISON hints on some tracks.The album kicks off with the excellent ''Guardians of Life'', a MACHIAVEL/GENESIS/SUPERTRAMP/IRRWISCH affair with fantastic work by Krampl on moog synths, Mellotron and organ, a beautiful up-tempo composition with strong symphonic leanings, Anzo's great vocals and an incredibly rich sound.The following tracks follow a more commercial path, not unlike to what SUPERTRAMP or KANSAS producing at the time: catchy choruses, romantic piano lines, AOR hints, light guitars and accesible grooves.''I saw them fall'' though is a fantastic ballad, again in a rather commercial vein, but with a great atmosphere, nice electric solos and Krampl's organ sounds leading the way.''Man on the run'' and ''Sunrise in the Mountains'' mix keyboard-driven soft prog with AOR, being well-crafted and romantic compositions.''Foxhunt'' will close the album in an awesome way and sounding a lot like IRRWISCH or late-70's GENESIS.Again Krampl will produce some fascinating passages with his piano, synths and organ, but this time it will be Altmann's and Kramer's guitars, which will blow your mind with their fantastic solos.

On this release Krampl will proove to be a mastermind, pushing KYRIE ELEISON's sound a step further and trying to go along with the music preferences of the time, without denying his progressive past.Today the album sounds a bit cheesy at moments, but still holds a fair amount of highlights to satisfy any fan of accesible Progressive Rock or Neo/Symphonic Prog.Recommended.