THE SNOW GOOSE

Though one can't be completely objective and impartial in a review, I can claim that it goes without saying - The Snow Goose IS a masterpiece. As I wasn't prepared enough to listen to fully vocalless album, I preferred to enjoy Camel, Mirage and Moonmadness first. However my apprehensions were disspelled during the first take: all the tracks sounded really great and incited me. The Snow Goose represents a bunch of quite remarkable and pleasant though not very difficult melodies. Each composition slightly go on to another one and doesn't lose the central spirit and idea of the story. Some melodies on latter compositions are deliberately made reminiscent of melodies on the former, namely: Rhayder and Rhayder Alone, Preparation and Epitaph, Fritha and Fritha Alone, The Snow Goose and Princess Perdue. This interesting trick helps to create the feel and spirit of integrity of the whole album which makes it indivisible for the emotional perception. Besides, it helps to develop and understand character and feelings of the characters (Philip Rhayder is so alone, that we even can feel his sadness). Some passages are so emotional and emphatic, that I even can't help but shed a couple of tears. The very plot and idea of this touching and very sad story, written by Paul Gallico and being tightly tied with the music, direct it in listener's heart flawlessly and draws colourful images in his mind. Also, the use of some orchestra pieces creates a nice and atmospheric interlacing. Moreover, it's obvious, that technical skills of each member increased significantly on this release. Andy Ward delivers creative and energetic drumming inserting some syncopation, double strokes and other nice tricks. Doug Fergusson performs decently and complete the image in a rather sensitive and sensible way. Concerning the main songwriters Peter Bardens (keys) and Andrew Latimer (guitar and flute) there can be made up praising hymns, but won't go beyond a couple of sentences. Bardens' and Latimer's performance as usual is highly creative, sophisticated and emotional without being overtly pompous and showing off. Their compositional skills are beyond discussion. I wonder how Andrew Latimer manages to create and perform such pleasant, catchy, sincere and versatile melodies and constructions without too difficult and tangled. It's all about emotional and dynamical playing of course with the use of slide and vibratto bar . In addition his wizardry with flute creates flying mellow melodies, which fit every place they are. Speaking about Peter Bardens I can say without bias, that this time the arsenal of his instruments is broadened, which allows to make compositions more diverse and intricate. His playing is also able to break the most thick ice of anyone's soul or incite a hardened melancholic. In the end I will say, that The Snow Goose is on of the greatest and moving concept albums of all time filled with the music of high quality. And it's the best instrumental piece in my opinion.