QUESTIONS INSIDE THE PICTURE

I've got mixed feelings after listening to this album. It sounds like Marillion's "Clutchung At Straws Part 2" to me. The vocals are sometimes the exact copy of Fish - the early Fish to be precise. The fifth song on the album "The Last Dream" is 90% "Sugar Mice", and "The Secret Box" is in the same way like "Hotel Hobbies". Another things that reminds me of Marillion's fourth album are the guitar and piano solos. Sometimes it's really like Steve Rothery and Mark Kelly taught these guys to play. But on the other hand I love "Clutching At Straws", so Chaneton album is not that bad at all. But it is deafinietly a clone album. We have also here two instrumental tracks, which give this album a breath of fresh air. My advise is: first listen to "Clutching At Straws" and then put "Questions..." into your CD player, and point out the differences.

This is the first and quite convincing effort from this Argentinian band whose name comes from their lead guitarist : Alex Chaneton.

Incredible first intrumental track (only 1'24"). It is very unusual that such a short track can provide this amount of emotion. The only example I can think of is the track "Beyond" (27 seconds long) which opens the album the "Sun Also Rises" from the Dutch band "Knight Area" (great album by the way).

The singer is truely "Gabrielesque", but this is far from annoying me.

"Tears in the Rains" is very attractive with lots of rythm and harmony ("Dolphin's Song" is of the same caliber). Emotional vocals, Banks oriented keyboards. Did you say clone ? OK, maybe you're right. But I like it. It's only knock and knowall. A very good start for this "Chaneton" debut album.

"A Long Past Time" is a short track with a very nice guitar solo in the middle section (two versions though sits on this album : the standard one and a ...fast one. Rather strange ...I am just found of the melody of this song. Not essential but so nice.

I guess that as "The Last Dream" arrives, it is now time to mention the excellent guitar work of their leader. I guess that it is not necessary to tell you to whom he sounds like at times. But he is really skilled. The best of him is due here. Emotion at its best. But the whole song deserves your attention. And if you like the guitar solo from "Firth" (but who the hell could not love it), just get a listen to it.

The second half of the album is probably less impressive. More guitar oriented, poppier and less inspired. Depending on the song.

"Soul's Song" is a slow paced track. Sounds more like a PG solo work. But again, the guitar break at the end of the song is fabulous. "The Frontier" features a repetitive chorus and is a weak composition. Here and there some good guitar notes; but that's all.

"The Secret Box" is far much better. It is more Marillion oriented (the genuine one of course). Same sort of guitar work than Rothery (another Steve). It is another fave of mine.

"Aquatic Dreams" is the weakest track of the whole album. Poor sound at times, and below average vocals. I don't really know what could have happened here. So far they were rather good (even if carbon copied).

To remind us the "Foxtrot" atmosphere, we'll get "Heaven's Sound" ("Horizon's"). This is of course not the first time that this pleasant acoustic track has been of a source of inspiration for prog bands.

Now, the title track and closing number. It opens on "The Watcher" riff for a few sec. But turned to be a very good neo-prog melody. Good rhytmic and keyboards and a fine way to close this album.

Of course, lots of you could be P.O. which such similarities but at least, you have been warned. If you can't stand this type of bands, just ignored "Chaneton". If you have a certain kindness for these bands who are Genesis influenced, you'll have a good time while listening to this album.

Globally, it is a very nice piece of music but it lacks of originality. Three stars seems to be legitimate for this work. Give it a try.