CZAR

CZAR came upon the Progressive scene fairly early releasing their sole album in 1970. For many this is somewhat of a minor mellotron classic as we get plenty of it on 5 of the 7 tracks.The album cover is ridiculous, just saying. I really enjoyed the opening two songs and the final tune but was left somewat disappointed with the remaining tracks.

"Tread Softly On My Dreams" has a nice heavy intro with mellotron. It settles some when the vocals arrive.The guitar starts to solo after 1 1/2 minutes and later after 4 1/2 minutes. The organ comes to the fore early on "Cecelia" and check out the mellotron.Vocals a minute in. We get a BEATLES flavour around 3 minutes then it's heavy again. Guitar after 4 1/2 minutes rips it up then the vocals return.The guitar is back again late.

The focus is on the vocals on "Follow Me" but this is fairly intense until the chorus comes in each time. Some good guitar late. "Dawning Of A New Day" is a song I can't get into.They slow it down here and vocals arrive a minute in.The guitar is the focus late. "Beyond The Moon" doesn't do much for me either. I'm reminded of THE BEATLES here too. "Today" is a ballad-like track. Not a fan. It does get better 2 minutes in as it gets fuller. "A Day In September" sounds great early as the organ floats in and it builds.Vocals before 2 minutes. Catchy stuff. A mid paced rhythm with guitar sounds excellent here especially when the vocals stop.

A good album that mellotron fans should enjoy.