RETREAT

This second album by Triangle proves that they are still an excellent neo-prog powerhouse as the compositions presented are all of them excellent. Not only the musical compositions, the sound production of the CD is top notch. I think this has been the strength of the band as their debut album was also great in terms of sonic production. I would suggest you turn your power amplifier volume high when you paly this CD; and .. you will be astonished by the time the opening track produces sounds through drums as well as other instruments.

The opening track "The Summer Died" (6:29) is very neo-prog in nature as the way the music is composed not far different with those coming from Pallas, IQ and the like. I was quite a bit disappointed actually with the vocal quality that does not seem to match with the music because he sings in relatively low register notes. If I compare this with Peter Nichols of IQ or Alan Reed of Pallas the timbre is totally different. But it's OK as long as the music flows beautifully. "This Day" (8:15) runs in similar style with previous track using stunning guitar solo and tight basslines throughout the song. "Goodbye" (4:26) reminds me to IQ music especially on the opening part.

"This Vacuum Inside" (8:26) starts nicely in an ambient mode using keyboard that sounds like a vibraphone accentuated by tight bass lines. Guitar in Floydian style enters the scene providing long solo in the background (seems like being mixed that way). The drums enter the music in an excellent way and brings the music in a nice way. Vocal only enters the music in the middle of the song. This is an excellent composition. "We Will Wait" (5:59) demonstrates good bass playing and stunning guitar solo. Again the sonic quality has helped the music easier to enjoy. "Retreat Part 1" (4:21) is an ambient instrumental part that flows seamlessly to the next track "Heroes Are" (6:10), a mellow one at its intro part but it moves into full-blown neo-prog composition. ".A Winter´s Death" (9:46) is in similar vein with previous track. "Retreat Part 2" (3:55) is a nice instrumental piece that concludes the album beautifully.

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any progressive music collection. Keep on proggin'...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW