DRIFTING SUN

Drifting Sun was the result of two native French musicians moving to UK in early-90's, looking for better luck.Keyboardist Pat Sanders and bassist Manu Sibona met there with American singer Rafe Pomeroy, the formation wrote 4-track demo, which was then sent to Musea for evaluation.Musea responded warmly to the matter with Sanders getting back from Canada, where he was on tour with another band, to record Drifting Sun's debut, featuring also John Lingwood on drums and Rob Thomson on guitars.The self-titled debut came out in 1996 on Musea's branch-label Brennus.

Drifting Sun followed the fashion of time, which wanted the evolving Neo Prog bands sounding a bit harder, they recall German acts like CRYSTAL MAZE, LIVIT and even ENCHANT at moments.Their sound had definitely a Hard Rock vibe with the angry vocals, propulsive drumming and sharp guitar soloing being regular components of their music, but Drifting Sun had also this pompous and dramatic edge of Neo Prog acts, Sanders being the responsible person carrying the progressive torch, delivering dreamy keyboards, orchestral breaks and soaring synth lines, while the vocals are often delivered in storytelling-like narrations ala MARILLION.Do not search for anything complex or fairly demanding in here, ''Drifting Sun'' is characterized by its passionate arrangements and pounding instrumental parts of the heavier mode, switching between straight and more epic tunes.Pomeroy had this extra color in his voice to become the most suitable addition to the band's heavy and melodramatic music, while Sanders should have listened to the work of Mark Kelly of MARILLION numerous times, his keyboard parts are atmospheric, ethereal and slightly symphonic.Songwriting is very solid, the music is always enjoyable despite some dubious passages, which sound a bit too accesible, and the performances are tight and accurate.

On the heavier side of Neo Prog.Crunchy guitar work placed next to tricky keyboards and angular lead vocals.Typical period product, recommended for its dynamic and memorable compositions, Neo Prog buffs will drool over this one.