FOUR MOMENTS

My rating here is based solely on the joy and satisfaction this LP exudes on me. Surely they are not totally original, nor do they present us with anything unheard of, but, their self-composed symphonic-prog is so tasteful and well executed that I can't bring myself to rating this release as anything but a master-piece !!

For years I've seen their 2 LP's often in second-hand shops, and scoffed at the idea of them being anything worthwhile ..... until I saw YES during their 2003 World Tour here in Australia. Prog band YES were to perform in February of that year, but vocalist Jon Anderson damaged his back whilst painting his house (?) and the tour was postponed till later that year. Initially, Mario Millo, lead vocalist and guitarist for SH was the support act. By the time YES came out (September 2003), the original line-up of Sebastian Hardie were the support act. A friend and I actually went out of the venue to purchase snacks at the time SH started up. By the time we got back to our seats, the intro of their side-long composition, 'Four Moments', was being performed. I listened attentively and was immediately reminded of German sympho/space prog band ELOY !!!! I was so impressed by this intro I couldn't believe my ears !!! They performed the entire album, in order, and, disappointingly, toward the climax of 'Openings', some roadies pulled the plug on the band. A total cop-out :(

YES were NOT on top of their game that night, with power failures and various P.A. problems, Steve Howe was forced to perform 'Clap' on electric guitar, but one thing stuck with me - Sebastian Hardie were the best thing I've heard in a long time. I bought the LP almost immediately (vinyl copies quite frequently crop up here) and I listened to it, night after night, several times a day, and I still enjoy it. So melodic, laid-back music, nothing particularly complex, each musician is totally capable on their respective instruments - Millo being exceptional in his performance on guitar, and keyboardist Toivo Pilt so precise ; Hammond, Mellotron and some Mini-Moog so vibrantly displayed. Totally profound. If you enjoy Camel's 'Snowgoose' or 'Moonmadness', and 'Wish You Were Here' era Pink Floyd, you will certainly find much to revel in here....