RIDE ON A CAMEL - SPECIAL LIVE

One of the finest Japanese bands,AIN SOPH were originally formed as TECHNI-SOZO (translated into ''The creation'') in 1970 featuring Yozox Yamamoto on guitars, Kikuo Fujikawa on keyboards, Masahiko Torigaki on bass, and Hiroshi Natori on drums.Inspired by Canterbury Prog,the band recorded a demo in 1978 containing live rehearsals over a span of years in the 70's.These tapes were collected and released by Belle Antique under the AIN SOPH name in 1991,which the band used from 1980 and on (since the release of their official debut ''A Story of Mysterious Forest'').

STYLE: Easy to define,this all instrumental album is an ultimate tribute to 70's Canterbury sounds,filled with good interplays,catchy grooves and nice breaks.First two tracks contain impressive guitar work in a Latimer-like style,later the album is heavily grounded on the keyboard work of Kikuo Fujikawa,but Yozox Yamamoto is always there to deliver some good melodic lines.The rhythm section is very tight,collaborating in a harmonic way with Fujikawa's Barden-esque keys.Extended solos both on keys and guitars,jazzy interplays and a good dose of melody define AIN SOPH's sound,which can be both adventuruous and relaxed in the same track.The last track is just the original version of ''A Story of Mysterious Forest'',contained in a shortened form in the band's official debut.

SOUNDS LIKE/INFLUENCES: With such album titles like ''Ride on a Camel'' or ''Hat and field'' iit is quite easy for the average prog fan to detect the band's main inspirations.At moments, where the album gets highly melodic,is Bahrain's finest band OSIRIS,that comes to mind.

PLUS: Impressive guitar work with grea hooks and solos.Even more impressive is the keyboard effort with lovely,extended but not boring solos,often flirting with electronic sounds.The arrangements are generally in a high level.''A Story of Mysterious Forest'' is a track of pure beauty with a much more personal sound.

MINUS: Except for the last track,the band is far from offering a personal sound.Seems like ANDY LATIMER and PETER BARDENS are on guitars and keys respectively.Recording quality is rather poor,affecting the result of the album's sound.The first four tracks follow the same path,having a lot of similarities.

WILL APPEAL TO:...a wide spectrum of fans like followers of Canterbury Prog,Jazz-Fusion fanatics,even melodic prog lovers and of course the dedicated CAMEL fan club.

CONCLUSION/RATING: Do not expect a grand release coming out of the vaults.The album is quite balanced,well-crafted and carefully laid-back,but both the abscence of a unique sound and the poor recordings keep it away from a trully essential purchase.Yet it is fairly enjoyable and easy-listening and deserves a solid 3 star rating.