GATE TO INFINITY

It's 1977, disco and punk have taken over and progressive rock is pariah. "Earth and Fire" could not have pulled off punk very convincingly, so they went disco, and did a decent job at it within the confines of that style. It almost sounds like a different band at times. If the last couple of albums had been hinting at a new direction, this one takes a sharp turn and never looks back.

The group still knows how to juxtapose and blend a variety of moods. Probably the best track is the opener, "Recognition". While not an epic in the manner of the last few albums, it is well developed and contains that sinister air about it. It even includes xylophone. "The Joyous Truth" is a lively instrumental featuring guitar that sounds like organ and organ that sounds like...well, organ. "A Lifetime Before" recapitulates some of the opener, while "78th avenue" is a good pop tune with nary a progressive element.

While changes are expected vis a vis the times, "Gate to Infinity" just doesn't have the consistency of previous efforts even allowing for the stylistic leap or fall. Proceed with caution, for beyond the gate lies disco eternity ad infinitum.