EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT NOW

This US band from Colorado was found in early-80's by young students Eric Kampman (keyboards/vocals) and Gary Morrell (guitars).Morrell brought along his friend Jon Ernst (guitars) and with Van Hoisington on bass the original Now were born.Later they would be joined by drummer Barbara Crawford.However Hoisington quit after the group moved to California in search for a better luck.During this period Now recorded their private debut LP ''Everything Is Different Now'' (1986, Yoronkels Records) with Kampman, Ernst and Morrell recording the bass parts.

Now's sound was heavily influenced by GENTLE GIANT, although they were a much more refined version of the English legends, offering semi-long tracks with intricate instrumental passages and delicate, warm vocals.At moments they sound a lot like TERRACED GARDEN, ADVENT or even early ECHOLYN.Other reference points include KANSAS and YES.Their style was quite complex, especially for the time they recorded the album, introducing elements from Symphonic Rock and Jazz.The arrangements are tight and full of long instrumental themes with multiple changes and a heavy amount of breaks.The atmosphere ranges from ethereal and elegant passages with sensitive multi-vocal harmonies and melodic themes to very dramatic textures with plenty of solos and interplays.A few tracks even include some powerful KING CRIMSON-esque ideas, performed through dual guitar attacks with complex riffs and dissonances.The album sounds very fresh even today, maybe due to the absence of any analog keyboards, as all keyboard parts are delivered with a synthesizer.

Full-blown mid-80's Progressive Rock with many shifting moods and some really demanding musicianship.Warmly recommended, and even more if you are a fan of any of the aforementioned acts.