ESCAPE TO HORIZON

CHANCE is actually not a band, but a French composer named Laurent Simonnet. He has composed and performed the entire album with computers, with the exception of four guest guitarists: Roine Stolt (The FLOWER KINGS), George Pinilla, Jean-Luc Payssan (MINIMUM VITAL) and Patrice Barret. The music is very melodic ambient/symphonic instrumental music with reminiscences to CAMEL, The FLOWER KINGS, PENDRAGON, PINK FLOYD and YES. As often with keyboard players solo albums it isn't very original, and it sometimes gets quite boring, almost like elevator music. And I don't understand why every keyboard player seems to prefer drum machines instead of real drums. I know many examples when these machines have destroyed an otherwise good album. This album could've been a real masterpiece with real drums. What makes this album interesting now are the four guest guitarists, and particular Roine Stolt who I have always admired. He's guitar playing is always filled with great melodies, emotion and personality. There are many good moments on this album after all. The opening track " Aquatic Fiction" is a really nice one. "From Here to Eternity" is a very good track with Roine Stolt's guitar playing in the forefront. This track is therefor quite reminiscent to The FLOWER KINGS, and probably the highlight on this album. I also loved the track "Ilona". Ilona is the name of Somonnet's daughter, and it also happens to be the name of my daughter too. All in all this is a really interesting album which is highly recommended to lovers of ambient symphonic music, but also to all you The FLOWER KINGS fans out there.