MODERN MASQUERADES

1975 was the year when the fourth Fruupp's album was released and it does not see any retreat from their progressive tendencies, fortunately. With the keyboard player changed, we got to hear more lush keyboards that give the album a modern 1975's jazzy progressive feeling - Fender Rhodes, digital piano, mellotron (or mellotron- like synths?) Music is still progressive, even though less dynamic and no less symphonic than before. There are some clever chord sequences such as the keyboard-driven section in the outstanding symphonic "Masquerading with Dawn" which deserves good audio equipment. "Gormenghost" is a surprisingly restraint and mellow track despite its length, however it sets to a good keyboard/drum supported chase. "Mystery might" is another strong cut, first following the typical album mood then upgrading to a busy jazz-rock instrumental exchange. "Sheba's song" is the ultimate keyboard highlight on the album and a suitable band's swang song. It's surprising how much the band's sound change from 1973 to 1975 and the band never lost its focus of a good progressive rock. Having said all that, I believe that this album captures the band at being most original and competes with "The Prince of Heaven's Eyes" for their most progressive album.