TALES OF POWER

The sole release from American symphonic prog basement band Arabesque that was recorded at band members' homes. The album, though released in 2002, was recorded in the mid 1970's. As a result of the time and place the album was recorded, it shows on the production. Luckily, though, the quality of the music saves it.

There are many lovable qualities to Arabesque's "Tales Of Power". The album art, for one, is intriguing and the music itself is incredible. The album contains 7 songs that span a total of almost 80 minutes and in this hour-plus musical journey there are no discernibly weak tracks. The musicianship is strong from all 5 members and the compositions, although following many of the symphonic prog cliches, are still very well-done. The musical influence of Arabesque lies in the great symphonic giants of the 1970's, most notably Camel, though Genesis and Yes makes their rounds in the album's sound.

"Tales Of Power" is perhaps the best lo-fi, self-released album in prog (that I've heard so far, anyway) and Arabesque, unlike many other small American prog bands from the time, is very good at avoiding sounding derivative. Overall, a pretty good little-known album that wouldn't be out of place in any symphonic prog collection.