HOLOGRAM

Clepsydra

Neo-Prog

3.47 | 109 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

I guess that Swiss bands are like Belgian ones. Very scarce in rock as well as in prog music. But once in a while, there is one shining; like "Clepsydra".

Their lead vocalist has a very identifiable tone of voice. Together with Gabriele Hofmann who is playing guitar, these are the two strong points of this band. The music is very accessible (which might irritate some of you) and extremely melodic. The closest comparison IMHHO is "Pendragon".

It is true that I wouldn't listen to three of their albums in a row, because it lacks in variety but if you feel like sitting back, relax and get some brilliant guitar play "Clepsydra" is a good recipe. Not from the greatest chef but from decent cooks. Beautiful and optimistic music.

Most numbers are on the mellowish mood, even if "Facing Clouds of Time" is rocking jolly good. But as if the band would like to be excused for this, they propose a short, peaceful and acoustic instrumental number (Poem for a Rainy Day) to compensate this "wildness".

If ever you are guitar driven, you will experience some great moments while listening to this album. Almost each track features one of these : but only short ones because there are no epics in their work (even if "Fears" will hold some longer tracks).

Some influence of "Watcher" to start "Sandflow" which is an emotional instrumental. For the first time, it is almost exclusively under the keyboards command.

If this album has no real weak number, it doesn't feature a real highlight either. The music of "Clepsydra" is to consume moderately. Once in a while, their album will provide an enjoyable musical break but I can't say that they are very original. "Steve & Jane" having some links with "Mockingbird" from "BJH".

One reproach is for sure that while you listen to this album in its entirety, you could be a bit bored by its uniform sound. But this is "Clepsydra" offering throughout their whole work. Three stars for their debut one.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2007-12-25

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