GAIA'S GARDEN

There is a lot to like about this album. It contains many interesting synth-based motifs. There are tracks which hint at a mild version of Ozric Tentacles (1), the low-impact melodies of Larry Fast or Vangelis (3), some decidedly Hawkwind-meets-Ozrics (6), Alvin the Chipmunk does vox (10), a sweet sax lead with synth backing (10), and even some reggae passages thrown in for good measure (8). Electronic "birds" grace Gaia's Garden throughout.

The highlights for me are: "Timeless Sun", with its nod to Hawkwind (and which will re-appear on a differently named track on a later album), "Skies", with its hard driving prog and Ozrics-do-reggae feel, and "Soapbubble" with its sexy, saxy, synthy-ness.

A little bit of re-mixing would help to punch-up the dramatic spots, soften the quieter passages, and highlight the leads -- giving the album a little bit more dynamic feel. Still, a good 3.5 stars, and a good addition to any synth lovers collection.