THE UNDERFALL YARD

What if Genesis had decided to go back to their progressive roots rather than a commercial direction in the 1980's? Of imagine if you will the notorious three reuniting to do likewise. The result might sound something like The Underfall Yard. You've got your mellotrons, twelve string guitars, a lead vocalist, David Longdon, who sounds just like Phil Collins (Phil called and he'd like his vocal style back), also the occasional flute.

After that Big Big Train starts to diverge from the old Genesis sound. David's flute playing is more reminiscent of Ian McDonald than Peter Gabriel. The bass work by Andy Poole is more complex than the basic bass of Mike Rutherford and reminds me more of Geddy Lee. The electric guitar work by Greg Spawton isn't too much like Hackett. Most of the keyboard work isn't particularly reminiscent of Tony Banks. Banks has been split into Poole and Spawton. Also of interest, at the drums we have Nick D'Virgilio, who actually did three tracks with Genesis on Calling All Stations, but more people would probably be familiar with his work with Spock's Beard.

To further diverge, the core band is fleshed out with several guest musicians, including XTC's Dave Gregory. Actually he's on enough songs that he may be a permanent member. The other guests include four brass players and a cellist.

If you're the type to turn up your nose at music that use elements from past progressive greats, you should move on along, there's probably nothing here for you. However, if you're open to an outfit that's keeping a style alive that Genesis abandoned many years ago now, you're going to want to get this.