HARBOUR OF TEARS

Typical Camel fans may be almost shocked when hearing this emotional, lyrical and little progressive album. Actually, the fact that there is a concept is the most ambitious thing. It has quite many songs for a Camel album but don't forget that the last one is 23 minutes long. We have a very light album awakening and things start to happen when we're find ourselves in the fifth composition as we can hear drums, bass and finally a decent vocal. Orchestration is pleasant but arguably used too often in the beginning at the expense of true rock band.

Starting with the 7th composition, we can better identify that it is Camel behind the loudspeakers, applying proggier elements and less vocals. Pink Floyd (guitar) and Genesis (guitar, keyboards) influence is also recognizable. Latimer cuts some nice guitar solo. Things are soaring with the beautiful "Coming of age" with elegant drumming with keyboard and guitar taking leads.

The last "The hour candle" has a heart-broken poignant melody and is an excellent emotional climax on the album (too short) then followed by even more introspective 16 minutes of wave sound (you won't have a need to listen to it twice).