TIME MACHINE

Ulf Jacobs maybe better known as the drummer of German progsters Argos, but the truth is he's been measuring up his ability as a composer since the early-00's.As Yacobs, he released three solo albums on Gecko Records (''Still Love You'' (2001), ''Lifespan'' (2004) and ''Estella'' (2007)), all of them being Melodic/Pop Rock works with a few Prog elements.In 2010 he signed with Musea label, followed by his fourth album ''Time machine'', featuring contributions be Argos' bandmates Thomas Klarmann and Rico Florczak among others, while Jacobs plays all drums, piano and keyboard parts and sings.

The change of label was also followed by a change in Yacobs' sound, as ''Time machine'' is a great Progressive/Art Rock album with a few Pop hints added for good measure, somewhere along the lines of CHRIS, NEAL MORSE and T (aka Thomas Thielen).Jacobs manages to create some impressive atmospheric soundscapes, which contain also an efficient instrumental depth and pretty good songwriting.His more laid-back compositions are based on spacey synths, nice use of Mellotrons and acoustic guitars with a FLOYD-ian atmosphere, creating an overall melancholic mood.But the album contains also some great uptempo moments with more optimistic sounds, based on lovely piano interludes, intense vocal lines, groovy guitars and strong use of electronics in an impressive amalgam.''Time machine'' is also characterized by some nice melodic parts, grandiose symphonic textures and excellent coherence throughout to result a work, where atmosphere meets some very strong songwriting skills.

Another example that drummers can also be really great composers.Any lover of the aforementioned figures should purchase this album, that cant do anything else but impress the listener.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.