HARBOUR OF TEARS

CAMELl's "Harbour Of Tears" is a beautiful concept album centered by content and feel of Irish immigrants leaving for America. Mae McKenna opens the album with a little traditional Irish aire and really sets the mood of the album. The quality of this album rests in its haunting, melodic and symphonic nature. Andy Latimer's guitar, as ever, shines strong and there are nice touches of flute, oboe, french horn, cello and violin. Songs are very well written and really do take on a slight Irish feel in composition and as always contain that symphonic CAMEL way.

Latimer is joined by Colin Bass (bass), Mickey Simmonds (keys), David Paton (bass), John Xepoleas (drums) and a good chunk of chorus members. As we now come to expect from a CAMEL album the vocals are in short supply with just five of the tracks containing them but when they do come they enter just at the right moment and enhance the whole concept. Overall a wonderful album with some great breathtaking passages and vintage CAMEL swoops.