RITES AT DAWN

3.5 stars, really. I´ve been listening to Rites At Dawn for quite some time now and I found it to be one of those records you just love it when you´re hearing it but as soon as it is over no melody line sticks to you. And I really don´t know why. for this CD is far more focused and better composed than their first album Hinterland. What previously sounded like a mishmash of influences without hooks nor a defined melody line, now is definitly structured and objective. It is ok that the band is not that original. Yes is undoubtly their mighty heroes and you can hear all over the place: the Jon Anderson-like singing, the Squire-ish bass runs, even the keyboards and guitars timbres are unmistakingly derivative of Wakeman´s and Howe´s.

Of course some other influences creep in here and there. On the third track In Orbit, for instance, the vocal harmonies are definitly in the Gentle Giant mold, making it an interesting mix of Yes and GG voices.The bad news are that is clear that the band is trying too hard to emulate their heroes. And Wobbler is still too far behind them to step into their shoes.The good news are that the songwriting here is far superior than on Hinterland. Those guys are evolving and I see this CD as a transitional one. I guess they´ll reach a sound of their own sooner or later, as the 10 minute epic The River shows. This track is the CD´s highlight and proof that Wobbler now can write good symphonic stuff and be different at the same time. Of course their musicanship is awesome as ever and the production is excellent in all aspects.

In the end I think this CD is quite pleasant and promising. They are on the right path. If you like symphonic retro bands in general and the classic Yes/GG sound in particular and don´t care much for originality, this CD is very recommended.