ALAS

I give it to the band that they do make a credible effort in re-doing and somewhat rearranging what ELP were famous for in their early years.

The Hammond delivers notes that we've all heard before, albeit it comes across as if these passages were drawn randomly from a hat. Good effort nevertheless, but hardly anything new on top of what Keith Emerson has already released.

The bass player deserves special mention as he delivers convincing lines, true to Greg Lake's approach and he dares to take it even further. Full marks to this guy!

The same couldn't be said about the drummer, who can play brilliantly at times, but fails to observe Carl Palmer's innovative technique as a guide.

Still, the music is very pleasing as a sort of ELP tribute - until we get to the vocals. Directionless noodlings, almost devoid of any melody conjuring images of a man bending over in self-pity, his nose almost reaching his knees. Now, I don't speak the language and there could be some serious poetry in the words, hidden to me. But musically these moments tend to detract from the overall enjoyment of the notes played.

I detect very little connection with Jazz-Rock, Canterbury influences here, suggested by some. Maybe on future releases that I am not familiar with?

The music is generally pleasing, but much of it I've heard before. The bits that I haven't are largely forgettable - with the exception of the bass.

It would qualify for 3.5, but a 4 it isn't.

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