MOONMADNESS

The last progressive rock masterpiece by Camel although they would resurface every now and then with albums back in a good shape. Little commercial ambitions can be felt but in a very limited extent. The album features the track "Lunar sea", which I consider peak of Camel's compositional and playing skills. It is this album where the band showed their best virtuoso playing skills so high quality sound output is recommended.

"Aristillus" starts things on a serious and symphonic note without lyrics but rather layered keyboards and guitar. "Song within a song" has synths similar to "Lunar sea" and shows the first traces of romantic songwriting that band would get used to in the late 70's efforts. Still, the instrumental part is a classic Camel high quality section albeit with disco rhythm. "Chord change" seems to be like a song composed of multiple other Camel songs, a bit of Canterbury, a bit of Lunar sea. Tasty guitar solo is irresistible. Rich keyboard sound, dancing fuzz bass and dynamic drumming are highlights. "Another night" has a simple melody but advanced instrumentation save it from being a pop track. This is a typical late 70's track but with a better arrangement than later songs. "Air born" is a haunting symphonic song with a tasty guitar a la Finch. Latimer shows his fitting flute skills. "Lunar Sea" alone is a reason to acquire this album. The beginning and end develop synth textures and water landscape. The dynamic brilliant guitar/drum/bass sections are just after beginning and before the last minute and present the peak. The middle senction belongs to gradually developing keyboard tension with great Moog sound. Especially the last dynamic section is THE one to listen and close eyes: excellent guitar solo with competing drum fills.

Essential masterpiece to the collection of every progger.