SYMPHONIC ROCK

The last review of this underrated Austrian septet is from 2019 so time to focus on the unique sound of Eela Craig. This review is about their compilation CD entitled .... Symphonic Rock featuring all tracks from their albums One Niter (1976) and Hats Of Glass (1978). The melodic and harmonic music from Eela Craig is build upon beautiful interplay between four members with their keyboards and sensitive and howling electric guitar play. The moving compositions sound warm and are coloured with lots of instruments, from the aforementioned keyboards to flute, acoustic guitar and assorted percussion. Wonderful symphonic rock that deserves more attention, especially 'Tron- maniacs' will be delighted about the omnipresence of this unique keyboard.

My highlights of One Niter.

The alternating composition Circles (15 minutes, 3 parts). After a majestic Mellotron intro a dreamy climate follows with soaring keyboards and pleasant work on the flute. Then a compelling rhythm with Mellotron brass, culminating in a swinging part with beautiful interplay between clavinet, string-ensemble and electric guitar. Next an interlude with wonderful vocals and tender Fender electric piano, a fiery and moving guitar solo, blended with organ and drums. Finally an accellaration featuring fiery electric guitar, Mellotron brass and fluent drums, what a great start!

Loner's Rhyme alternates between dreamy and a compelling rhythm, again with Mellotron brass. Along howling guitar runs, a splendid duel between the synthesizer and clavinet. Then an exciting part with swinging clavinet (an Eela Craig trademark, along the Mellotron brass sound), sparkling Hammond organ and propulsive conga percussion. This culminates in a final part featuring moving guitar, supported by the warm string-ensemble sound.

The long and instrumental One Niter Medley is a 'wet dream for vintage keyboards aficionados' (Mellotron, harpsichord, string-ensemble, Minimoog and Grand piano), remarkable is the huge variety, from classical violins in a swinging rhythm to a combination of symphonic rock and funk, unique!

The strong Way Down that sounds like a captivating blend of symphonic rock, funk and rock, embellished with a lush vintage keyboard sound and powerful electric guitar. Halfway a wonderful part with the string-ensemble, in combination with warm vocals and piano. In the end an exciting grand finale featuring Mellotron brass, piano and compelling work on the drums, goose bumps!

The acquisition of the new singer is an indication for the change in the sound on Hats Of Glass: more song-oriented, more romantic and less bombastic and less keyboard driven. My highlights.

The titletrack contains wonderful work on flute and keyboards and halfway a long and moving electric guitar solo. Grover's Mill delivers soaring keyboards, tender electric piano, varied keyboards and again moving electric guitar, often Barclay James Harvest comes to my mind, but without the lush Mellotron sound.

My absolute favorite is the longer and most adventurous composition Holstenwall Fair. First a slow rhythm with pleasant vocals and nice Hammond and Mellotron choir drops, next a shifting mood with sultry synthesizer sound and propulsive drums beats, a wonderful hypnotizing atmosphere. Then an accellaration with a catchy beat, fiery electric work, varied keyboard work and a sensational duel between a powerful guitar and pitchbend driven Minimoog. Finally majestic Mellotron choir and a return to the first part. This is how Eela Craig often sounded on their praised second effort One Niter, wow!

If you like melodic, harmonic and accessible symphonic rock with hints from Barclay James Harvest, Camel, Alan Parsons Project and Manfred Mann's Earth Band I highly recommend this compilation CD, I love the lush vintage keyboards, wonderful vocals and moving electric guitar!