UK

I wasn't listening to Prog back in the late seventies but those who were must crapped their pants when they heard Bruford, Wetton, Holdsworth and Jobson were making an album together. This sort of reminds me of the let down I had with ASIA's debut when you consider the lineup. Certainly this is a lot better than that, but still this just doesn't click with me. I'm not a fan of the synth sounds and this music just doesn't grab me. I guess i'm expecting too much from this lineup, although put these guys together in 1973 and I bet they'd kick ass !

The highlight for me is the opening track "In The Dead Of The Night". This song is a favourite of Alex Lifeson as well. I'll quote what Alex had to say recently in the "Guitar Legends" magazine I have. "Alan Holdsworth has an amazing, not-of-this-world liquidity. What a genius ! His fingers are constantly moving. Pulls make up the bulk of his playing. I don't think he does much picking. I was listening to Holdsworth around the time of "Moving Pictures" (1981), and you can indirectly hear his influence on my playing on "YYZ"". Nice. Bruford is outstanding in the intro, what a drummer this guy is ! Some nice bass from Wetton as well. Pulsating synths throughout. Vocals before a minute. I like the chorus. Holdsworth after 3 minutes takes the lead with some mournful melodies. "By The Light Of Day" opens with vocals and spacey synths.The synths are beautiful after 3 1/2 minutes as they seem to create waves of sound.

"Presto Vivace And Reprise" opens with Bruford doing his thing as keys come in. This is all so incredibly intricate. Very impressive. They then reprise the first song as those pulsating synths are back. Nice. "Thirty Years" is so atmospheric and spacey early on. Jobson plays violin on this one. Drums are so crisp and Holdsworth offers up some excellent guitar work especially 5 1/2 minutes in. Wetton vocals are great a minute later. "Alaska" has lots of synths for almost 3 minutes then it kicks in with an uptempo melody. Love the outbursts of guitar. This song blends into "Time To Kill" with vocals right away in an uptempo melody. Not a fan of this one. "Nevermore" opens with complex and intricate guitar. Vocals after a minute. Some prominant bass for a change is nice. I like the spacey section late. "Mental Medication" is mellow for 1 1/2 minutes when it kicks into gear. Prominant drums and synths. Piano comes and goes. The violin 5 1/2 minutes in is really good.

A good debut from an all star cast but I prefer the followup "Danger Money" .