TALES FROM MOONLIT BAY

What do you expect from neo progressive music? A good- melody? Dynamic? Smooth transition? Well, you may find some of them here from the third album by Like Wendy Tales From Moonlit Baby. For sure, you won't find dynamic music right here as the band has confirmed their music direction into a mellow melodic music as it was the case with their two previous albums "The Storm Inside" (1998) and "Rainchild" (1999). What I mean dynamic here is something that changes suddenly in the passages of musical arrangements. It's because basically all songs composed here have smooth transition pieces from one segment to another. If smooth transition is something that you love, I can assure you love this album. But if you expect something dynamic and energetic, this album would not meet your expectations. This is to say that it requires patience in getting the subtleties of this album. If you get used to progressive metal or power metal, it's possible that you dislike this album. But if you can enjoy Pallas, Pendragon, IQ, and other neo prog bands, you might enjoy this album.

This album has long as well as short tracks. On the long ones, i got the impression that the song moves too slow to another segment so that i tend to get bored with the passage. For example the opening epic Falcon Suite (20:57), amidst beautiful keyboard and guitar works, I find it too long to get to catchy segments. The music is dragging too long in certain passage that makes me bored with it. If the ban could have ever made it such dynamic as Genesis Supper's Ready or Yes Gates of Delirium, it would be okay for my taste. I know that legendary track like Pink Floyd Shine on You Crazy Diamond also moves slowly but it guarantees a change to catchy segments that makes the listeners' waiting is worthwhile. This is, unfortunately, not the case with "Falcon Suite" which drags too long. The song can actually be simplified and shortened.

Not truly satisfied with opening track (overall), even though I do enjoy some catchy segments with guitar and keyboard, some tracks I consider worth-enjoying like "A King's Epitaph" which has catchy opening part, in symphonic fashion, followed with great vocal entrance while organ plays beautifully at background. I can say that this song satisfies me because it flows nicely, combined with nice melody. "Paradise" also demonstrates good harmony in upbeat mood that reminds me to Pallas, musically as well as singing style. While "Wreck of The Dancer" also showcases a very good composition combining beautiful melody through vocal and Hackettian guitar fills. The song moves nicely with symphonic prog style, brings in itself catchy segments through guitar and keyboard.

Overall, this is a good album even though I have some problems with long tracks which move too slow and too long for me. It's no regret having this album in your prog collection. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW