ILLUSIONS ON A DOUBLE DIMPLE

The least we can say about this release is that the original trio must have been receptive about the critics related to the poor vocals that could be heard in "Mediterranean Tales". No more than a quatuor of female vocalists (plus a male one) will bring some support. A guitarist is also joining the band. So, no more than nine members are forming this "Triumvirat" !

But don't worry, the music is still of the same caliber. Probably even better. My only concern is that this "choir" provides some soulish mood which is not really what you would expect...

Two epics. In those days almost each great prog band were releasing side long epics so, why not "Triumvirate" ?

I used to like epics a lot. Not because their are lenghty, but because they allow a band to a great dose of creativity and inventivity to keep the listener's attention to a high level throughout the whole.

The title track "Illusions On A Double Dimple" is such a composition. It combines bombastic intrumental parts and yes : even decent vocals ! Same remark as in their closing number from their previous album : these sound almost beatles-esque. Since the poor vocals were really a negative point in their first release, one can only be pleased that they got better.

Of course, the ELP filiation is still very present. Just listen to these keyboards ! No way to forget whom they remind you. Listen carefully to the last section "Last Dance" if you have some doubt. But again, I can not blame "Triumvirat" for this. Rather a great performance. Only the short "Illusions" is a weak part. I just lack some recurring main theme in this song to have the feeling of a true epic song.

I don't know to whoe the band is referring with the B-side of this album. "Mister Ten Per Cent". This epic opens brilliantly but as soon as lyrics come in; their grotesque aspect is quite hard to bear. The sort of background orchestral type of music is not really welcome either. The section "Roudabout" as well as the closing "Million Dollars" are my favourite parts from "Mister...". The latter strongly evoking Jeff Lynne during the vocals.

This song doesn't reach the quality of the title track. It sounds as if "Triumvirate" repeats the same ELP mistakes. Each member wanting to show his skills (and they are skilled, for sure). I also wonder why they hired a guitat player. Doesn't add anything great, IMO.

The bonus tracks on the remastered version also show their pop side 5"Dancer's Delight"). But good pop music, which I could not blame them for.

I would say that this effort is slightly better than their debut one. Seven out of ten; but I can hardly round it up to four stars.