THE WITCHING HOUR

A very interesting band which I first noticed on the local radio. This is a two-man band (two brothers) playing several instruments. I haven't listened to the previous albums yet but this one has nothing to do with prog folk IMO. It consists of two discs. The first three sogns are nice and have a slight funky feeling with heavy bass and athmospheric saxophones.

The fourth track Shiver reminds the early period of Jethro Tull with flute but this does not mean that it is a dull imitation but rather a good tribute. The final of the song has a nice interplay between flute and percussions. The flute continues to play in the next song Triskelion and the final has an impressive and emotional melody.

The last song of Disc 1 is also nice with acoustic guitars and electric piano.

Disc 2 consists of longer and more proggy tracks. First song (16 min.) Dream Tea has some psychedelic moments in the second part a la Echoes of PF.

Second track Midnight Chimes begins with vocal but then moves on with nice instrumental play then passes to the next song Again Midnight Chimes with drums & percussion intro which leads to flute again and one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. The album closes with two short but nice and mellow instrumentals.

In conclusion it is surprising to see that I am the first one to discover this album. It is not prog folk but if you like melodic rock with certain prog influence in it you will like it. Worth listening.

3,5 stars upgraded to four.

.......As crossover as it can get....

This double CD takes in everything from Jethro Tull to Genesis, Strawbs, Yes and numerous other bands. Each song, it's own genre. I am approaching this dreaded pre- senile age and I sometimes have to look at my CD player just to make sure that I am listening to the same album. It is that diverse. But this band still have their identity. The vocals tells me that this is Yoke Shire. That binds this album together. From the AOR and folk rock songs to the more epic symphonic prog tunes. The instruments are the normal fare with guitars, tangents, bass and drums. These are sometimes supplemented with flute and other accoustic instruments.

The quality is pretty good. This is not a light hearted album and I gladly admit I should spend at least half a year listening to this album before make judgement. I do not have those six months. There are also other albums which demands my time. But I will still keep this album in my collection and play it now and then. I find this album pretty enjoyable, but not an essential album. Sorry to be so bland, but I feel this album is pretty bland and non-offensive. It is a nice listening and nothing more....... at the moment. I may amend my views in six months time or ten years time. If crossover prog is something for you, consider this as a four stars album. For me; it is three stars and some well deserved recognition for this band for a couple of hours on the front page of PA.

3 stars