AVALON USA

These five tracks show a band with talent, switching from Classic 70's Symphonic Rock to more modern Neo Prog stylings with comfort, while their music has strong links with the albums of STARCASTLE, GENESIS, KANSAS and SUPERTRAMP.Vocals are a bit annoying, too high-pitched for the taste of the average listener, but the musicianship is great with plenty of keyboard textures and fresh guitar melodies, recalling the spirit of the legendary 70's groups.Still the music has quite a bit of a rockin' atmosphere with nice rhythmic parts.The compositions are characterized by tight structures and lots of shifting moods, containing symphonic-oriented keyboards and extended instrumental parts next to the melodious, sensitive guitar lines.The studio work of the group finishes at this point, but the length of this album continues with three additional tracks, captured live by the group.The recording quality drops significantly, on the other hand the music in these pieces is more complex and dramatic, somewhat closer to compatriots CATHEDRAL with a bit of virtuosic Fusion added in the keyboard work.Very good organ washes, dense synthesizer flights, complicated breaks and sharp guitar runs complete a surprising work of 70's-inspired Progressive Rock.

''Five of the best'' is an extremely satisfying album, inspired by the classic acts of Prog Rock's heydays, well-executed with decent arrangements and interesting material.An easy choice for all lovers of the classic Progressive Rock aesthetics.

The reason was I checked out their by far best track (probably ever) first. This one was called Once stood a Man (notice the one word difference of this albums title). It was a truly amazing track and I was convinced I had found myself a jewel here. But when I heard the other songs my admiration disappeared just about completely. I wish I had done things the other way around but of course the final result would have been the same. Biggest problem with Avalon USA is the singer really. Dan Bonadeo has a below par voice which especially becomes obvious with live performances. And it ruins a lot of the bands sound unfortunately. The instrumental musicians are much better but I wouldn't want to call them top notch either.

In the end Once Stood a Man is a stand alone case. A stand out track indeed which made me decide for the three stars after all, though rounded up. If it wouldn't have been on this compilation it would have gone down with two stars for sure. Well, okay: the suite and Gulag aren't bad compositions either. So the three stars are deserved probably. But be warned: if you are critical on vocals better stay away.