PERELANDRA

After a disastrous and boring debut album, I guess that it shouldn't be too difficult to score better with their second work. After having skipped the opening track, you reach "Time Marches On" and its fully "Yes" oriented mood. Almost like "Starcastle". Even if it is not an unpleasant song, such lack in personality is disappointing.

The carbon copy goes on during "Illusion". You can even add some ELP-ish sounds to be complete (both in the music and in the tone of the vocals). Again, it is not bad per se, but I would have expect some more from this band. Fully neo-prog so far. Even an old nostalgic guy as I am don't fall into this trap. So, who should?

The mellowish acoustic "The Way To Her Heart" is also beyond my understanding. Such lyrics as: "God if you're listening, give me a sign, And show me the way... to her heart" are definitely not going to change my opinion. Press nextT.

The first "Glass Hammer" song featured is the ambient and instrumental title track. Nothing great to be remembered, ideal to get some sleep at night, repetitive and dull even if it kicks for a while at half time.

Another one in the style is "Le Danse Final" of which fine vocals and good sax are the only attractive. No wonder that there are no review with a comment on PA. I guess that the interest in this band is significantly low (but this will change with "Chronometree").

The closing number "Heaven" is my fave (but the choice is scarce). A fine rock ballad which renews with the YesSounds: organ sounding very much Wakeman-esque and the bombastic finale being nothing else than a (good) cloning. A pleasant and melodic track, finally.

Two stars for this one.