NOW AND THEN

EASTER ISLAND were a talented American band from the seventies. Originally only 300 copies of this album were released making it quite the collectors item. It was re-issued on cd in 1991 with bonus tracks. This is now out of print making it a difficult recording to track down. I was reminded of YES a lot especially with the guitar playing.There's lots of synths and mellotron.Two different vocalists here and the one guy I find very annoying.

"Wanderer's Lament" is the opening instrumental that's kind of experimental then spacey after 2 minutes. Mellotron late. "Face To Face" kicks in right away and I like the drumming. The vocals before a minute are truly cringe worthy. He sounds like a Motown singer or something. Nice bass 3 minutes in. "Genius Of The Dance" is pastoral with reserved vocals. It picks up a minute in then turns much fuller as drums and mellotron dominate. The tempo then picks up with vocals. Themes are repeated.

"Solar Sailor" is laid back with mellotron and vocals standing out. Good tune. Lots of synths after 3 minutes. The guitar reminds me of Howe here. "Winds Of Time" is uptempo with lots of keyboards. It settles after 2 1/2 minutes with piano. Kicks back in as contrasts continue. Vocals come in for the first time after 5 1/2 minutes. "The Alchemist's Suite" is divided into 4 parts. "Prelude" is a great intro with intricate sounds. "Life Celebration" opens with vocals and light keys (harpichord ?). It picks up. Some bottom end after 3 minutes, guitar follows. "Telesterion" opens with tribal-like drumming. Mellotron and synths help out. It also has an Eastern vibe. "Resurrection" has lots of synths and the vocals come in fairly quickly. Not a fan of this one.

Worth 3 stars but the vocals can be difficult to take at times.