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Again, it's another band name inspired by Genesis' unusual song which in fact the music has nothing to do with Genesis at all. For first spin of the CD, I could sense that the music of For Absent Friends is more similar to the music of Sylvan or Carptree. Most of songs are easy listening and nothing is truly complicated. There are passages that lend themselves from the kind of IQ or Pallas music but for sure this kind of music is far away from early Marillion neo prog vein. You can find the kind of soft riffs typical in IQ or Palls especially on songs like "Boy" or "Attitude" and some sort of ambient music in "The Stone" - which has nice keyboard work and catchy melody. If you are familiar with Sylvan later albums, you would find close proximity of For Absent Friends' music with Sylvan. The vocal quality is also as good as Sylvan.

For those who like a bit complicated and similar to neo prog music might find it interesting to enjoy "The Bald, The Fat, And The Ugly" which in a way it's a combination of IQ, Jadis and a flavor of early Marillion. The keyboard player and vocal are very key in this band. The last track of Disc One "Moving On" might bring you to the journey of typical neo prog music with its keyboard-based composition. You will also find that the combined guitar and soft keyboard work at "Higher Level" is interesting as well. In fact, this is a very good song with catchy melody, powerful vocal line.

While "Into Love" brings you to the neo prog nuance with relatively upbeat music at opening followed with slower tempo when vocal enters. It continues in similar vein with "Never Ending Rain" which demonstrates dynamic bass lines and excellent keyboard work. "Faf" is another good track in relatively fast tempo with music in the vein of Pallas or Jadis or Arena. "Each and Evryday" starts with a beautiful soft keyboard work in ambient nuance followed nicely by vocal in mellow style. It's a catchy song with nice melody.

Overall, I can only say that this is a good compilation of music which can accompany you in your relax time because there is practically no complex arrangements from their compositions. It's digestible for most people, I think. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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