WHITE RAVEN

The title track utilizes its wide girth to expand immediately on the talent that is wielded so masterfully , a whopping 12 minute mini-symphony of discovery and adventure that goes way beyond just a mere introduction, showcasing a suave determination to keep things interesting and yet enchanting. The first 2 minute interlude is the sizzling guitar-driven 'Second' and its incessant obsession with mood and atmosphere. Another short one in the 3 minute range tosses in some Arabic chanting, as 'Abandoned Dreams' swoons over the dunes with sweeping melodic splendour, once again creating ultimate sonic escapism. The slightly longer 'Be Different' is another highlight piece, propelled by a sequenced melody that hints at old school Tangerine Dream, circa Exit or Poland (Surprise) and will please even newer electronica fans , trembling synth patches emitting modern tendencies. A return visit from the Arabic chanting shows the grander design at work here, everything intertwined and yet holding its own. This segues nicely into 'Silence' featuring a piano motif that verges on genius and utter beauty. This could have been a Vangelis 'hit', a well-defined, immediately ravishing melody that will hook the listener immediately. Hints of orchestral Michael Oldfield abound on pieces like 'In the Deep Dream', where glittering keys combine with ethereal choirs and pulsating electronic percussion to vividly create surreal visions. Sublime piano characterizes an epic track like 'Eclipse', which not only amazes throughout its near 10 minutes but showcases elegant piano musings that wink at masters like Rick Wakeman, Eddie Jobson and John Hawken. The evolution of the track aims at evolving towards more electronic realms, with robotic rhythmic patterns still fueled by the same gorgeous melody. The slippery synth solo is heard bursting at the seams, intricate and relentless, absolutely first class! On a track like 'Follow Me', the onus is more on the electronic percussion and thus providing a more bustling rhythmic expanse to work over the slithering melodies. While some interval parts are clearly dreamy and ambient, the vast majority of the material is bold, vivacious and creative. The immediacy of the melodies are of paramount importance, the sounds connecting right from the get- go, a relatively rare event in the electronic prog world.

Like any great opus, the album ends with another bookcase epic, an 11 minute+ mastodon entitled 'Last but Not Wasted Breath, the First Breath finale' which seeks out grandiose and bombastic heights, with soaring symphonics and orchestral leanings that defy categorization. The impression is one of infinity, time and space, endeavour and pleasure. This was one hell of a surprise that caught me completely off guard and I have been suggesting my progpals to check this out.

4.5 Initial Inhalations