A STEP INTO ELSEWHERE

Days after the release of ''The slipping of a day'' Cirrus Bay's leader Bill Gillham was determined not to allow time to skip heading to a second release.The band's brand new effort was recorded in just a few months, again with Sharra Acle and Bill's sister Anisha on vocals and the always appreciated help of Mark Blasco on bass and drums.Blasco was also responsible for the production of the album, which was eventually entitled ''A step into elsewhere'', released privately in 2009.

With this album Cirrus Bay established themselves as a rising force in the modern Symphonic Rock field with their sound always bursting these elegant GENESIS stylings, wrapped up in long, lush arrangementes with elaborate melodies and atmospheric textures.More than ever their sound recalls MAGENTA's early albums, being definitely of symphonic nature with a few Neo-styled moves, led by flashy synth parts akin to GALLEON or US.The delicate and smooth musicianship includes a fair amount of gentle acoustic moments mixed with STEVE HACKETT-like electric textures and rich keyboard variations with Mellotrons, synthesizers, piano and organ.The careful production unleashes the talent of Bill Gillham as a composer.The man has put up stretched, interesting compositions with a strong 70's flavor, based on the alternating vintage and modern vibes and his ability to offer impressive, grandiose yet melodic symphonic movements with a pompous atmosphere.There are also some nice flute parts contained, a factor making Cirrus Bay's sound even closer to old GENESIS, while the absolute peak comes with the 16-min. ''Zenobia'', a lovely piece of nostalgic Symphonic Rock with electroacoustic changes, orchestral textures, BANKS-influenced synth and piano lines and dreamy female vocals.

No question, this is a must have for any fan of contemporary Symphonic Rock with a heavy vintage aura.Lack of personality is an issue, but really...who cares when the music is so well-executed?Strongly recommended.This group is capable of creating a future masterpiece...3.5 stars.