BABYLON

BABYLON was formed in central Florida in 1976, they were influenced by the usual suspects like GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, GENTLE GIANT, VDGG, HAPPY THE MAN and many others. When they performed a concert it was like multimedia extravaganza, encompassing film, large screen multi-image projection, theatrics and audience participation. This was their only studio album released in 1978. It's very GENESIS-like instrumentally but the singer sounds nothing like Gabriel, in fact he sounds a lot like Phideaux. These guys play complex and challenging music. The original album cover had normal eyes looking at us while on the cd re-issue they've changed it to alien eyes. The cd re-issue was done by Greg Walker and his Syn-Phonic label in 1999. It was also re-mixed and remastered then by the late Kevin Gilbert who knew a thing or two about GENESIS. The sound quality is excellent by the way.

"The Mote In God's Eye" has vocals after a minute and they're almost spoken as we get synths and a beat in the background. It kicks in around 2 1/2 minutes and it's GENESIS-like a minute later where we get an instrumental section. Some wild synths before 5 minutes and the vocals return a minute later. "Before The Fall" is kind of dreamy and laid back with synths, bass, light drums and reserved vocals. The vocals come and go. It's GENESIS-like around 5 minutes then we get a change as the song becomes more dynamic. I like the drumming during the final minute.

"Dreamfish" has lots of synths, drums and bass to open then we quickly get a calm as the tempo continues to change at will until these fast paced vocals arrive 2 minutes in. The bass is great here as well as the drumming. Again GENESIS comes to mind as the song plays out. Sounds pulse before 6 minutes then the vocals return and they again are fast paced. Themes are repeated. "Cathedral Of The Mary Ruin" is GENESIS-like early with keyboards and vocals. The drums become prominant. I like the vocals and sound after 2 minutes. The vocals turn theatrical and the sound gets heavier 3 minutes in. It's mellow again before 4 1/2 minutes with vocals. Nice. Again themes are repeated.

A solid 4 stars for this lost American classic.