WELCOME HUMANS

This Texas quintet's debut cd is one of the better releases in the symphonic prog genre that's come out over the past few years. With a musical style that's rooted firmly in the Genesis model, they still manage to update their sound with IZZ-like harmonies and a relaxed, Glass Hammer-like recording style. You really get your money's worth with 73 minutes of melodious music, including the 26-minute album-closing suite "Late for Dinner" ("Supper's Ready"?...). Even some Canterbury-ish humor sprinkled in here and there! I do like the production of most of this cd, but I feel like the drums were sometimes mixed rather flatly or subdued - could have used a bit more high-end and "punch" for my tastes. Aside from the music, you get some decent album art, and an extensive cd booklet reminiscent of some of the earlier Flower Kings cd booklets. Overall, a pretty enjoyable and worthy album!

I'll go 3-1/2 stars