SUN SUPREME

As a long-term prog fan I'm always on the lookout for bands and albums I missed the first time around. A visit during Easter 2004 to one of the UK's foremost prog specialists, Ultima Thule at Leicester, had me coming away with this album (and too, the obscure German neo-psychedelia of Vinegar - I had never heard of either band beforehand). UT's owner Alan freeman, told me in his opinion "Sun Supreme" was one of the great but forgotten albums, but at last the store had the CD in stock.

An in-store play of the first four tracks (orginally side one), had me hooked. Having then bought the CD, I've played it continually for 3 weeks, not tiring of the music. Those first four tracks as movements of one composition, do have all the makings of an excellent piece of prog. Here is a development from an opening acoustic guitar piece towards a central theme played over and then reiterated, reminding me of the peeling of church bells. A major piece? But before suggesting it ranks with any classic prog track by Yes, Genesis, Krimson etc., I need time - such as those albums of the 70's got - before making that decision. In the meanwhile, I invite others to check the album out as one of those superior prog albums.

In passing, I feel it necessary to comment on a previous reviewer's suggestion of a Led Zeppelin influence: this seems way off the point. In particular, Ibis's multi-harmony choruses, guitar and Hammond organ suggest early Yes. (BTW it is the best song English I've heard to date on an Italian prog album). And to the excellent guitar, bass and keyboard work, the drums and rhythms of Rick Parnell reinforce the whole; these are subtle and a real joy, owing nothing to the heaviness of Mr Bonham. ( I'm suggesting to Darkness fans they ought to check this album out!). If, as several reviewers have suggested in other publications, that "Sun Supreme" is not the best Ibis album, then the others must be amazing?

A great album which finishes far too quickly