RA

Eloy

Psychedelic/Space Rock

2.79 | 253 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Easy Livin
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

Enigmatic

By this time (1988) the band was effectively a duet of Frank Bornemann (vocals and guitars) and Michael Gerlach (keyboards, drums and synth-bass). The line up was however enhanced by a number of guest musicians.

Taking its name from the Egyptian sun god (as Todd Rundgren's Utopia had done previously), the opening minutes of "Ra" take us sequentially through Enigma (the band), Mike Oldfield ("Tubular bells"), and Tangerine Dream before a striking burst of guitar indicates that this is indeed Eloy.

"Voyager of the future race" is in some ways a forerunner for the work of Arjen Lucassen. There is a harder, metallic edge to the music, which when combined with electronic effects and a space theme lay a path for those who followed. At the same time, there is a retrospective element in the overlaps with Genesis "Watcher of the skies".

The vocals on "Sensations" (released in slightly edited format as a single) are reminiscent of AMON DUUL II's performance on their "Live in London album". The track has a heavy, powerful feel. "Dreams" has some effective female talking and excellent synth strings creating a lush dreamscape. At times, the track has the sound of 80's Yes.

"Invasion of a megaforce" could perhaps have been an inspiration for Ayreon/Star One link, with a strong multi-part vocal theme. The track develops through a captivating instrumental core with sweeping synthesisers before returning to the main vocal themes.

"Rainbow" is by far the most commercial track, being an infectious power ballad with a repeating chorus. Lovely song though. The closing track "Hero" has a more synthetic, 80's feel with stereo echoed guitar bursts over a rather plodding beat.

It is entirely understandable that long terms fans of Eloy may feel that "Ra" does not sit well alongside their earlier albums. For me, it is a fine example of 80's prog, with some excellent compositions and competent performances. Recommended.

Easy Livin | 4/5 | 2007-4-3

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Share this ELOY review

Social review comments () BETA

Review related links

Send comments to Easy Livin
Report this review (#117194)
Buy ELOY music online with PA partners
Show all ELOY MP3/Stream
Go to ELOY page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
Go to Ra page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
Search the Forum for ELOY related discussions