WINDCHASE

Australian prog band Sebastian hardie released their second complete album Windchase an year after their debut. the music is quite similar of that album, Four Moments, maybe a little more jazzier in parts. Still their basic formula of mixing influences by Focus, Camel and Yes is very much alive and well. Unfortunatly they did not come up with something as strong as their best (Openings) from the first CD. The opening tune, the massive 20 minute title track, is very good and it is obvious the band was trying to expand their musical pallette a little more. It is an excellent epic, but could not beat the power and inspiration of Openings.

The remaining tras are also very good, smaller songs with nice melodies and nice arrangements. Some reviewers here seem to mock them for being too laid back and for not making their songs more elaborated and complex. I´m not among them. Their simpler, melodic approach is their very own charm and personality. While some bands are very much the musical press favorites, Others are bashed because they simply play what they want and have an audience bigger than those ´better´groups. Sometimes the criticism to progressive rock is right: many bands are too complex and play for complexity´s sake. Music for musicians, as we say in Brazil. Sebastian Hardie plays a very nice symphonic rock that is accessible but is also very good and has the right influences. they are no better nor worse than any other group. Only different. And I like it a lot.

That said I must also warn you that their sophmore release is not as good as their debut. They were on the right track to find a new, maybe a more elaborated, sound. It was a pity that the times were changing and they didn´t have the chance to have a follow up to this one. It would be very interesting to see how far they would go. They were talented and had a very nice chemistry together. If you liked their debut, chances are you gonna enjoy this one very much too. Just don´t expect too mcuh.

Rating: 3,5 stars that I´ll round up to four to compensate some unfairness here.