STONE IN THE SKY

Kind of an unusual setup with this album although not unprecidented with the combination of live and studio tracks all on one album.The vocalist and guitarist from this band guested on ERE G's excellent album, and yes both bands are from Quebec.The first two songs are studio tracks while the last five are live. I must admit that after a few listenes I didn't think i'd be giving this 4 stars, but it has won me over.

"Stone In The Sky" features these smooth vocals with acoustic guitar and strummed guitar coming and going. Beautiful stuff. "Pirates" opens with mellotron,a beat and acoustic guitar as the vocals join in. It does get fuller on the chorus. Nice guitar and bass section after 3 minutes as it turns heavier. Mellotron too.The tempo picks up with vocals after 4 1/2 minutes. The rest of these songs are live.

"Out Of Range" opens with synths, chunky bass, drums and more. It does settle with vocals around a minute.The bass is huge on this one. A calm after 3 minutes but not for long. It's heavier with guitar 4 1/2 minutes in then back to the original soundscape after 7 minutes.The guitar starts to solo after 9 1/2 minutes. "Mood For A Day" is a YES cover.This instrumental track consists of bass and intricate guitar. Great sound. "Shadows Of Ignorance" opens with flute and when it stops before 1 1/2 minutes we get a big applause from the crowd. Strummed guitar and more flute takes over in this Celtic flavoured track. And while i'm not big on Celtic music it's hard not to like it because you can feel the joy from both the band and the audience.Vocals 4 1/2 minutes in. I can just imagine people in the audience having the time of their lives and dancing to this one. "I Know What I Like" is a GENESIS cover and while it a pales to the original I love it.The bass is prominant once again. "You And I" features upfront guitar and bass as the vocals join in. Great sound here. It's laid back but fairly heavy.

A very enjoyable album from a band who obviously loves what they do.