THE SUNSTONE

What a appropriate name for this band, because they play music like a small ensemble that mixed things up with a rock attitude, a retro sound and classical embellishment. Also, a part from their symphonic approach, the band make some intrusion into the world of fusion, especially in the songs "The Storm" and "The Quake". We can hear female and male vocals throughout the album that is dominated by beautiful keyboards and piano textures that has some Wakeman and Emerson sound. The guitars still show some sparks with sharp accents. The vocals sometimes are reminiscent of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, but the music is more in the style of the band Yes. The music has a lot of classical structures and also the songs are developed with sometimes some beautiful soloing from the keyboards and the guitar, but those solos doesn't take the lead over the full orchestra ensemble. "Prologue" is a nice intro with his soundtrack movie feel. The next track "The Sunstone" put you right away in the heart of the music with some busy keyboards. "The Siren's Spell" has some unique guitar sound and the presence for the first time of the female vocals of Ann Caren. "The Storm" has some fast pace fusion music with violin not too far from a band like KBB. "Gaze" is my favorite track with some incredible musicianship with the Hammond and the bass. If the last albums of the band was a nice discovery for me, this one seems to be for now more satisfying. Highly recommended!