MIRAGE

Despite an exhausting 9-month tour following Camel's debut,the album did not have the level of success MCA Records expected and the band had to move on, signing a contract with Decca Records.In the meantime Camel had a good businness agreement with the cigarette company of the same name and their new album ''Mirage'' had a cover resembling to the classic packet of the Camel cigarettes.It was released in March 1974 on Decca's division label Deram Records.

The album shows Camel definitely at their best.A hybrid of Psychedelic Rock, Symphonic Rock and Canterbury Prog, ''Mirage'' is a work, where mediocrity is an unknown world.''Freefall'' is a track, transforming Camel's sound from psych influences to superb Progressive Rock with old-school vocals but majestic musicianship with heavy energy.''Supertwister'' is a short instrumental and the first introduction of Latimer on flutes.Delicate organ/flute-driven Symphonic Rock, that sticks in your mind with its marvellous melody.''Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider'' contains straight references to ''The Lord of the Rings'' and it is one of the most beautiful compositions ever writeen by a Prog band.From its opening marching tunes to the lyrical organ/flute-based introductive melodies to the endless interplays and solos by Bardens and Latimer, this is first class Progressive Rock from the very first to the last minute.''Earthrise'' is another winner in the line.All instrumental, fiery, Canterbury-styled Prog with majestic keyboard work by Bardens on moog synths, a fantastic rhythm section and Latimer performing guitar solos in a complete madness.''Lady Fantasy'' became an all-time favorite of prog fans worldwide through the ages.13 minutes of diverse Progressive Rock with intense lyricism, haunting melodies as well as some incredible interplays, full of edgy organs, powerful guitars and complex bass lines.

The first ever classic album by Camel is almost flawless.One of the most balanced albums ever written, containg a high level of technique but also series of mindblowing melodies.Extremely highly recommended, this comes as a no-brainer for the whole Prog audience.