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Jadis - More Than Meets The Eye CD (album) cover

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Jadis

 

Neo-Prog

3.85 | 192 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars I remember clearly that by the 1998 I realized that it was the time for me to look back prog music after I was quite disappointed that Fish left Marillion sometime in 1988. After that I practically did not pay attention to any prog music development until in 1998 when I visited a colleague prog friend, Ricky who happened to be the second generation of prog lover because I actually knew his dad who is really a prog head, I'an Arliandy. But Ricky was the one who triggered me back to prog. How come? Yes, he invited me to listen to a neo prog album by IQ through "Ever" (1993) when I visited his dad's hous in Bandung. It blew me away and opened my mind that prog was still alive. That meeting with Ricky was memorable to me because he then lent me his IQ "Ever" CD plus a catalogue of progressive bands under CYCLOPS (Malcolm). Everyday I then looked the catalogue from one page to another and I found new bands under "highly recommended" comments plus some "brief" description of how the bands "like" legendary band. So I found Sinkadus, Citizen Cain, The Flower Kings etc. under the "like" of Genesis and later I found JADIS as "like" of IQ. I then ordered tens of CDs from Cyclops including three or CDs on JADIS. That was in 1998 / 1999 when I was very active buying new CDs especially from Cyclops and some from Amazon.

JADIS "More Than Meets The Eye" I purchased it in April 1, 1999. I do agree that the music is in a way has some similarity with IQ but when I look in to deep, it's basically different in style and nature. While IQ is basically a keyboard-based music in terms of rhythm and basic structure with add on of guitar solo and keyboard solo, melodic singing line. JADIS' style revolves around guitar solo by the band's leader Gary Chandler. While the music of IQ is practically fluent and fluid in nature in terms of flow, the music of Jadis has basically lacked melody that flows naturally from one segment to another - it tends to be flat. It does not necessary mean than the music of JADIS is bad at all - in fact, if the mood is right, I can enjoy the music of JADIS quite well.

This album was released one year before IQ "Ever" album and to me this album sounds different than any IQ album even though in some ways there are segments with similar style as IQ. The attracting point of this album lies on Gary Chandler's aggressive guitar work combined with neo prog as the main basic structure of JADIS music. Throughout this album, JADIS comprises three players plus one session player on bass by John Jowitt. Martin Orford of IQ is also contributing here in this album. The Opening track "Sleepwalk" demonstrates stunning guitar work by Gary Chandler especially during the long intro part.

The melody is basically what JADIS lacks in most of its albums. While the opening track has its stunning guitar work, this second track "Hiding In The Corner" does similar thing even though the melody is basically weak. The guitar work is something needs to put my attention. It bring the music beautifully from one segment to another backed by tight bass lines.

Almost all tracks contained here have similar vein from one to another, presenting excellent guitar solo by Gary Chandler. You can find at "G 13" that gives long portion of guitar to demonstrates the solo combined by tight bass lines. The keyboard makes its accentuation intertwiningly just before the vocal enters the music. Track 6 "The Beginning and The End" has an opening part which reminds me to early Genesis style especially under Anthony Phillips. The guitar solo that follows is excellent and I can find it in most of neo prog music.

Overall, the music is good even though most of them lack the catchy melodies. Gary Chandler's guitar solo is entertaining. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 3/5 |

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