THE MERMAID KISS ALBUM

UK band Mermaid Kiss emerged in early-00's in Kington out of the collaboration between female singer/flutist Evelyn Downing and guitarist Jamie Field, when the two begun writing songs for their own amusement.All these until they entered Andrew Garman's (bass, keyboards, drums) The Goat Shed Studio to record a couple of soundtracks for local projects.The collaboration with Garman was so entertaining the three musicians decided to work together unter the Mermaid Kiss name.This would led to the first independent production of the group in 2003, ''The Mermaid Kiss album''.

In fact Mermaid Kiss are like no other band you've met in the Progressive Rock field and basically ''The Mermaid Kiss album'' is an Art Pop album with minor prog sensibilities.The songs are strongly based on the beautiful and ethereal vocals of Downing and the rather minimilastic background instrumental music, which stylistically differs from track to track.However there is a light Neo Prog atmosphere throughout the release, much in the vein of TRACY HITCHINGS or KARNATAKA, but the major influence here seems to be KATE BUSH and here intense, lyrical style.The short pieces on this album have a very deep atmosphere with a strong emotional and melodic content.Guitars and bass are used sporadically and most of the music is driven by soaring synths and light piano passages along with the (rather programmed) drums.Very mellow and relaxing stuff indeed, but the incredible vocals of Downing are a unique experience alone.Additionally most of these pieces have a slightly orchestral mood and a ballad-esque atmosphere, but more in an artistic way, very far from syrupy and dull approaches.

For the die-hard Classic Prog fan, who starves for some technical performances, ''The Mermaid Kiss Album'' is propably not a great choice.However, if your heart still beats for some emotional, sensitive and rewarding Art Pop/Rock, this album is definitely a winner.Recommended.