THIRD EYE LIGHT

Italian band ERIS PLUVIA was formed back in 1988, and released their official debut three years later. It was a well received affair, and for the next few years the band was active and rather popular as a live act. After this the band went on a sort of hiatus, as the members carried on creating other types of music under another moniker. In 2001 plans started to crystallize about a new album, and in the summer of 2010 this sophomore effort was issued as "Third Eye Light" after almost a decade of development.

When Eris Pluvia enjoyed attention back in the early 90's, their stylistic expression were often compared to UK act Camel. And those with a soft spot for that sound will find much material to enjoy on this disc. Mellow, laid-back and dreamy are words that more or less summarize what you'll find, as long as symphonic progressive rock are added to the description I might add.

It is a subdued form of the genre we're presented, used more as an effective backdrop than as the driving force of the compositions, but developed to such an extent that the symphonic tag still is viable. Drawn out atmospheric guitar soloing are used extensively in addition to the mood-filled textures provided by various forms of tangents, and on some occasions these elements combined with wandering clean guitar motifs or carefully dampened guitar riffs creates a sound closer to Pink Floyd than Camel. But more often than not the fluctuating synths and keyboards combined with gentle guitars is closer to the latter than the former in sound. In particular in the sequences where the flute is added to the proceedings.

This type of music isn't of the kind that makes an immediate, dramatic impact. Some albums exploring this universe can actually become somewhat tedious, as everything is coated in cotton candy. Thankfully that isn't the case on this occasion. Careful, sparing but effective use of guitar riffs adds nerve and contrast to the proceedings, while energetic and more spirited passages and songs does create a shift in momentum and energy. Final number expands the palette in another direction, exploring a more distinctly folk-oriented style.

But by and large this is an album made for those with a soft spot for the gentler territories within the symphonic progressive rock universe. And a successful one as well, which should please fans of Camel first and foremost.