FIRST KEY

If you like the classical symphonic approach of bands like Ekseption or Atlantis Philharmonic then you’ll probably like these guys. There’s not a lot of information about the group available, but they clearly had classical music training and the compositions tend toward reinterpretations or inspirations based on classic composers; specifically, Bach, Beethoven and Shumann. The sound comes almost exclusively from synthesized keyboards and bass though, with a single guitar and drums added for definition.

These are shorter tracks then one typically hears on classical composer-inspired music, with most of them ranging from three to four minutes. Concepts are not fully fleshed out for the most part, and the result is an album that seems more like a sampler then a fully-developed work. The little-known Greek band Akritas put out a similar type of album the same year, and Ekseption and Atlantis Philharmonic’s main work was around the same time as well so I guess you might call this a movement of sorts. The proto comparison would be the Nice, although these guys are heavier and more organ-driven than any of those bands.

This is not a particularly memorable album, but it’s worth a spin or two if you come across it. The heavy prog number “Sometimes...” and jam-like “Important Matter” are the standout tracks, although the entire album is quite consistent in terms of its composition and sound.

The band attempted a follow-up but were overcome by events and time, so this is the only piece of music they have left for history. Not much else to say about them but to tack on the obvious three star rating. Recommended as something of a curio for symphonic rock fans.

peace