TALES OF THE DIVERS - LIVE

Osiris evolved around teh efforts of Al-Sadeqi brothers, a dedicated guitarist and drummer. though they started early in the seventies, they did not manage to produce an album till early 80s. the brothers were exposed to different tastes of music since their childhood and they both mastered their instruments when they were just teenagers, thanks to their father who was very interested in music. Mohammed studies in Europe (or in USA, not sure) during the 70s and I am sure that gave him good opportunity to experience the golden age of rock music and he was mainly interested in Progrock. it has been said by many reviewers that the band's main influence is Camel, to some extent that is tru but still they were successful to forge their own style which was stick to original Progrock ata time when progrock giants like Yes, Genesis and even Camel went"commercial" and mainstream during the 80s when Pop was dominant. This album is a live album from 1985, remastered from a long forgotten demo tape. recorded live at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain. it is considered as a Progfolk album as it pays much respect to the culture of Bahrain before the oil boom when the main profession was pearl diving. you will find many passages of Poems in Arabic with native musci on the background and the specific type of hand-clapping rhythm which is called in Arabic "Saf- gha". it is a concept album dealing with the adventures of pearl diving and the risks surrounding it mainly drowning. it is a well structured album with many solo instrumentals mainly with guitar and keyboards. the style is similar to Camel, however some songs even resembles Deep Purple (the storm song I found it very similar to Gypsy's Kiss from Perfect Strangers Album) you will also find some touches of Pink Floyd style especially with the acoustic guitar bits here and there. the album is very easy to digest and pleasant to your ear however, it does lack authenticity and uniqueness. I found the beginning of the last song is bit boring as it resembles Irish folk music which does not fit with the whole of the album. the weakest point of the album is the vocals but the band leaders were very aware of this point and thats why it was mainly instrumental one, but I do not think we should blame them for that as Camel themselves did not have a talented vocalist during their career like Peter Gabriel or John Anderson. the best song is It is always hard to say goodbye, it is a masterpiece from the 80s prog scene. this album deserves 3 stars but I gave them 4 stars because of the determination of the brothers Al-Sadeqi to stick to their original music in a country that singing in English is very unpopular let alone a Progrock and in the 80s when Progrock in Europe was something absurd. after all a very good effort and highly recommended album for Camel's fans and those interested in International Progrock like myself.