FAREWELL

The album title is dedicated to the fact that co-founder Uwe Reinholz (guitar) ultimately decided to quit. This is not meant as the last sign of life concerning the whole band though, which the cover art might imply like being broken up literally. So be it, coming and going, applicable to nearly all the aspects in everyday life. In the meanwhile Marek Arnold and his band mates have found Stephan Pankow to move up. And, to make it clear, this album does not sound like an elegy, that's for sure.

By the way, 'album' might not be a suitable notation for a one track production with 42 minutes playing time maybe, or what? But who cares? While missing any subtitles here, we have a progressive rock suite in best TOXIC SMILE tradition. Hereby the line-up is completely different to Marek's other band SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR, and stylistically this is more from the heavier side of life overall of course. Though not missing a symphonic touch, it all initiates with a string quartet, soon gliding into some neo progressive feel, but then Uwe Reinholz and the rhythm branch are starting all engines.

Yet again this is a versatile experience, definitely. Everything a prog fan's heart desires. Twists and turns, Larry B's fine vocals, empathic and slightly raw, charming melodic parts, heavy outbursts featuring slicing guitar riffs, jazzy impressions including piano and saxophone, diverse instrumental solos ... and so on. 'When I listen to the people and close my eyes ...' - the main theme, which holds the song together, will keep indoors sooner or later. A really fine arrangement, released on the Progressive Promotion Records label this certainly is a worthwhile purchase.