NOSTALGIA

Whatever lyrical themes Wojtek Szadkowski may be exploring, the real nostalgia herein is the homage paid to progressive and non progressive artists of bygone days, stamped with Satellite's own penchant for constructive and reflective music. But they also return closer to the style of their debut than on any of the last 2 outings, and while "Nostalgia" doesn't quite reach the heights of "Street..." or "Evening..", mostly due to slightly weaker overall songs and no gamebreaker, it marks a decided return to form after the overwrought "Into the Night".

Satellite has wisely re-evaluated itself and determined where its strengths lie, and how it distinguishes itself from so many of today's hard edged neo bands - strong melodies, smooth relaxed and drawn out guitar solos, extended instrumental jams with only a few metallic edges, multilayered waves of vintage style keyboards, and a remarkably nimble percussive attack. The latter two features are particularly in evidence here, with string synthesizers providing lead and background atmospheres on "Every Desert Got its Ocean" and "Repaint the Sky" just for starters, and the lovely "Is it Over". The sweet "Afraid of What We Say" showcases fine acoustic guitars and Wojtek's battery technique. Sarhan is back playing in a way that best compliments the group, mostly in a mellow or symphonic vein. The most adventurous track is "Am I Losing Touch" as it explores breathy vocal stylings, very hard rock, Yes-like vocal harmonies, an almost Latin sounding ensemble sound, and plucked acoustic guitars all in under 10 minutes. There really isn't a weak track here, even if the catchy "I Want you to Know" seems nostalgic for FOREIGNER more than anything. The bonus cuts are both worthy of the main event, particularly "The Colour of the Rain", which has heavier overtones but a great tune and fine synth work.

The battle for neo prog supremacy in Poland rages on, and it may not be mere coincidence that, after BELIEVE's "Yesterday is a Friend" upped the ante, SATELLITE has responded with the synonymous "Nostalgia". It will hopefully be a long time before all that is left is to reminisce about the past glories of SATELLITE.