COLOSSUS

This is more interesting than the majority of 'prog' releases from 1978. But it's not extremely original or groundbreaking. Cybotron deserve credit for mixing drums and saxophone with synthesizers. An unexpected good mix. These guys had to much going against them to ever really make an impact; 1)they're from Australia, 2)a more well known techno act from Detroit had the same name which confused some people in the early 1980s, and 3)the music industry was moving away from prog and promoting New Wave and Disco.

Formed by the German-born Steve Braund, the music here sometimes reminds me of what the duo Zombi would be doing 20 years later. The title track is the clear standout here. Sort of a prog electronic/symphonic prog hybrid. I'm used to the CD version which has a very edited version of "Raga In Asia Minor". I would love to hear the whole thing because this is the best song after the title track. But I'm not so interested that I would track down the original vinyl. There are two bonus tracks added but they're nothing special.

A lot of this sounds like Tangerine Dream circa Stratosfear mixed with Hawkwind-style sax and typical '70s hard rock drumming. Absolutely nothing essential but this is a nice album to listen to. Nice cover artwork. If you find this cheap pick it up. Otherwise you shouldn't go out of your way and waste your hard-earned money on this album. 3 stars.