A STORY TWO DAYS WIDE

This album might favor those who like the "melodic" side of prog music. Well, actually this album is not truly melodic as some segments I feel like the melody being pushed too hard by the musicians to get this album so powerful. Composition-wise, I think there has been quite an effort for the members of the band put together their idea. Conceptually, this album seems like what Marillion started their career in prog arena. This time the lead vocalist Glenn McLaughlin wrote almost all of the lyrics while the rest of band members (and the vocalist) wrote and composed the music.

Musically, this is a good album with the opening track reminds me to the works of Genesis combined with ELP and Pink Floyd - especially the psychedelic part. Structurally the track is OK but it lacks harmony and melody. Track 2 "Savant" is an excellent track with medium tempo and relatively melodic compared to opening track. There are light sounds of mellotron to accentuate the textures. The vocal quality of McLaughlin reminds me to the lead vocalist of Pendragon. The guitar solo by Dennis Mullin in the middle of this track is really stunning.

"Holidays and Miracles" is a very accessible track with nice vocal line and guitar fills. The tempo is quite stable and it flows naturally from one segment to another. It's good to mention that bass player Dean Morekas demonstrates his work excellently. Jim Rezek / keyboards provides his solo nicely at the ending part of the track. His pulsating keyboard work is heavily influenced by Rick Wakeman. For those who like mellow part of prog music, you would definitely enjoy this track which confirms that Iluvatar is a neo prog band.

"Indian Rain" is completely a melodic song which might typically favor most of neo prog fans. It has simple composition, natural flow of music, Floydian long sustain guitar solo, and sweet vocal. The music intensifies as the vocal takes higher register notes combined with instrumental part exposing the combination of keyboard and guitar. Oh yes, this is definitely an excellent track. You might associate what you are listening is similar with what Pallas, IQ, Pendragon, and Marillion have done before.

It's a very accessible and enjoyable album with a series of melodic segments. If you are neo prog fans, you might not regret owning the CD. Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW