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Satellite - Evening Games CD (album) cover

EVENING GAMES

Satellite

 

Neo-Prog

3.82 | 188 ratings

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chessman
Prog Reviewer
4 stars This review is based on the original album, not the version above, with the two bonus tracks. I have both Satellite albums, and Moonshine from this band's predecessors, Collage. Every one of them is excellent, being high class, melodic prog with lush arrangements and superb production. On the first Satellite album, the guitar duties were shared between Mirek Gil, ex-Collage, and Sarhan. On this album, Sarhan does all the guitar work. His style is quite similar to Gil's, so there is little noticeable difference in that department. My initial reaction, on listening to this cd, was that it wasn't quite as strong as 'A Street Between Sunrise And Sunset', but, after further plays, I think this is, in fact, just as strong, but maybe not as immediate. The songs are instantly recognisable as Szadkowski songs, and I, for one, like his style. Doubtless, some critics would say he isn't varied enough, but why change when your style is so successful? As usual, the keyboards are a joy, with lovely melodies played behind the vocals, and atmospheric landscapes flooding the background, upon which the guitar fills in deliciously at times. The strongest tracks are the first two, 'Evening Games' in particular being a 16 min plus epic, with gorgeous changes in tempo, beautifully placed acoustic guitar parts, and really lovely guitar lines, all played in a pompous (in the best sense) epic way. Tremendous. This track would have fitted quite happily on the 'A Street' record. The second track is slower and shorter, but, again, beautiful, with a delightfully understated guitar solo, all the more effective for what it doesn't say. In fact, there are no weak tracks here, but, if I had to choose, my least favourite would be 'Why', probably because this is a slightly faster and heavier piece. This band is at its best when playing slow songs. 'Beautiful World', dedicated to the Beslan children, is almost a tear-jerker, and there is a moment, just after the last verse, when the keyboards kick in with a very, very simple, yet very, very effective line, lasting less than twenty seconds, when the hairs on the neck stand up. This band is one of the few class acts around for me, and, while it won't suit everyone's taste, particularly those who like challenging, and, at times, more discordant offerings, a la King Crimson or Gentle Giant, for those who like such bands as Pendragon, or even, in fact, the one and only Genesis, these come highly recommended!
chessman | 4/5 |

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