MAN OF THE MOMENT

It's no secret that I am not a big fan of the English neo prog scene. Sure, in small doses and for selected tracks I am quite susceptible to lush keys and dreamy guitars, but fustian lyrics, all-guns blazing arrangements and randomly inserted shards of metal ultimately challenge my stamina over 75 long minutes. I much prefer more melodically oriented groups from the continent like the Swiss CLEPSYDRA, so I thought I should give much touted Germans Martigan a chance. In fact their sound lies somewhere between classic neo and the nuevo neo, so it could appeal to both camps.

The longer opener and closer both suffer some of the indignities of artificial elongation all too common among the big guys, but do show hints of a more compelling mix, as well as a more direct infusion from post-Gabriel 1970s Genesis. It is on most of the remaining 8 tracks that the group really distinguishes itself, with keyboard atmospherics, careening lead guitar solos, and a generally warm and romantic yet wholly professional demeanour. While Kai Marckwordt's voice is not as distinctive as Aluisio Maggini, other comparisons to CLEPSYDRA abound, especially in "Out of Sight", "Closer Contact", and the ebullient "Images and Tales". "Scapegoat and Scarecrow" is a lovely simple ballad, and "Permission" is the most commercially oriented, but well executed especially in the vocal harmony department, and with a chorus you may be singing long after the needle lifts up.

I am torn between 3 and 4 stars, but will settle for 3 to reflect the somewhat rambling nature of the longest cuts as well as a few other weak numbers. Martigan promises to be much more than a band of the moment.