JOURNEY

Journey - I never expected it. During the late 80's I dabbled with the first few Journey albums and a later 80's 'Greatest Hits' compilation, out of which this debut release became an instant obsession, the Perry-fronted line-up didn't. Anyway, I was really digging Hammonds and Moogs (strange, as I play the Bass), and a Drummer friend of mine was getting right into Bonham, Palmer and Bozzio - after hearing this for the first time, it was all about Aynsley Dunbar, quite a veteran Drummer, having experience with Zappa, fronting his own band Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation, Bowie, and going onto Jefferson Starship, Whitesnake and possibly many more. His refreshingly energetic and exciting Drum-work throughout this album gives most songs their sheer power, and together with Keys man Gregg Rolie, and Guitar prodigy Neal Schon (both having played in SANTANA), the compositions display a fine, technically proficient sounding work with accessible tendencies - we are closer to Kansas, than to Styx or Toto with this. One only needs to refer to Hugues fine review for an accurate track by track rundown, but I have to mention that it's exciting to hear Schon utilising some Guitar glissandos during the end section of Kohoutek, quite a cosmic sound which always reminds me of GONG !! And the track Topaz shows off amazing dynamics, and brilliant playing from all. Aynsley is amazing !! Not really a weak moment throughout. 4 stars.