HOPE

There are a few famous ficticious planets in the world of prog rock; Gong has its own self-titled planet, Magma has Kobaia, this Canadian group conceptualised this doomed planet known as Politzania. Klaatu took painstaking strides to really try to hit home with the concept including the intrusion of a symphonic orchestra to spew the emotion out.

HOPE has garnered much attention from prog rock fans towards a band that is more of a fringe act. I could understand Klaatu being a prog rock band, but I've not been impressed with the group through HOPE. A large amount of pompous orchestra pop music is here, and while it gives HOPE sophistication, the cheese factor is also incredibly high.

The first few numbers remind me of the Beatles that spent too much time in the theatre. I like theatrics, but hearing tracks like ''Madman'' make me cringe. ''Long Live Politzania'' has some of the goofiest vocalisations I've ever heard including the ''Politzania'' lines that make the vocals sound like guitars; simply awful.

The second half fares better with ''The Lonliest of Creatures'' having a ''singing in the round'' with a classical march sound to it. It's easily the best track off the album; progsters will enjoy the orchestra infestation on ''Prelude'', but it lasts a bit too long for me. The others simply don't have the spark with ''So Said the Lighthouse Keeper'' again having squirm-inducing vocals. I know they help advance the plot, but the vocals could've been done more tastefully.

The cover is great to stare at for a long period of time; easily one of the greatest ever. Cover aside, the music here too plot-centred and has too much goofy pop for me to enjoy. Fans of the Beatles, Queen, 10cc and ELO style of pomp pop will like HOPE as well as those in the symphonic prog arena or those looking for an emotive, grandiose concept pop-prog album.