CAMEL

Nice album and a good debut. Not overly fond of the vocals, but the rhythm section is absolutly great. The keyboards bring in a lighthearted symphonic feel to the sound, with some souring guitarplay. The emphasis of the sound lies in the instrumental passages, with a huge variety of sounds and textures, sometimes straight-forward rock, but also atmospheric and symphonised soundscapes.

1. Slow Yourself Down (4:45) A very rhythmic song, with great bass/drum play, not very good sung, but a great opener to the album. 2. Mystic Queen (5:53) a very mellow dark symphonic piece, with slow soft playing, growing in intensity as the song develops. great. 3. Six Ate (5:57) I like the tempo and melodies of this instrumental song. with some great guitarplay from Andy, and some nice changes in atmosphere. not their best song, but worth a listen. 4. Separation (4:54) Rhythmic rocker, with some fine guitarsolo's. and fabulous bass and drum play behind the guitar. great song.

5. Never Let Go (6:20) Accoustic guitar opening, besides the voice it's a great track. with continously changing tempo and a great interplay between the different instruments, taking turn in taking the lead. some nice flutes, guitar and keyboards. and the omnipresent rhythm section that keeps me dazzling. 6. Curiosity (5:52) Soft lush melodies, great instrumental passages, again the vocals are not Camel's best part, nice song, especially the keyboardsolo deserves a mention. 7. Arubaluda (6:26) Easily the best song on the album. Heavy rock (compared to other Camel pieces that is), with great drums, fabulous guitarplay and driving bass-play. Gets me excited everytime I hear it.

Overall A great album, not a masterpiece but definitly something every prog-lover should listen too at least once. 3, 5 stars to be more precise. Recommended to all who like melodic symphonic music. I think the average neo-prog fan (IQ, Pendragon) will like this album.