UTOPIAN FIELDS

Little-known UTOPIAN FIELDS hailed from the city of Skien,Norway and were formed in 1988.Under the promotion of Colours Label they recorded and released a self-titled album the next year.With no less than 8 musicians being on the line-up,anyone would expect an album with a very rich sound. However,this is not the occasion here.UTOPIAN FIELDS play somekind of soft psych/progressive rock with slow-tempo compositions and a very dated sound.Hardly could anyone imagine that the album was recorded at the dawn of the 90's.There are obvious influences from early-70's PINK FLOYD with good guitar work and a deep atmosphere around.Sometimes I am reminded of CAMEL's debut listening to this album,a hybrid between psychedelic, Canterbury and classic rock.The organ sounds create a very retro-atmosphere,while the vocals are absolutely great,the instrumental parts are dreamy and sensitive and some harmonica/flute parts fill the effort with a varied taste.Generally,a good effort ,especially for fans of 70's prog rock,and a big surprise regarding the time of its release.A recommended one.