HOLOGRAM

This debut by Clepsydra fully establishes their approach to songwriting and arranging. Like any hologram, it involves three dimensions, in this case, uniquely emotional vocals, hypnotic keyboards, and heart stopping melodic lead guitars swirl about each other. While very vocal oriented, the Clepsydra sound rarely follows a strict verse, chorus, verse, chorus, break, verse chorus approach. Even though not all that much variation exists between songs, and in some ways they remain interchangeable after multiple listens, Hologram provides a veritable feast for those that love the style.

While all the songs are good, the downside is that the production is somewhat muddy compared to subsequent efforts. Still, Gabriele Hoffman's leads are up front enough to match the feeling produced by Camel's "Drafted" from "Nude", and that is high praise indeed. So it's really hard to pick out a highlight, but "New Day Part 1" is particularly stirring, and "Steve and Jane" shows how romantic Clepsydra can be.

While I would not recommend Hologram as a place to start your exploration of this late lamented group, if you have enjoyed their later albums, you will find that, like a hologram, this one is pretty close to the real deal.