WATER BLUE

This is the only album by this Japanese group. Vermilion Sands is often compared to Renaissance and indeed the music is refined symphonic progressive sometimes very reminiscent of that English group. The vocals of the now sadly deceased female singer Yoko Royama make this assumption even clearer. She sings both in English and in Japanese. I prefer the vocals in her native language but the English vocals aren't that bad either just a little less emotive. The musicianship is also very good and the electric guitar is much more highlighted compared to Renaissance. This album is a very pleasant listening if you don't expect your prog to be complex and quirky. The extra half star is definitely deserved.

The album kicks off with a Kate Bush cover "My Lagan Love". It's nice but not the strongest tracks from this album. My favourite tracks are the longest track "Ashes of the Time", "In your Mind" and "Coral D ~ The Cloud Sculptors". The Musea version of this album has a few live-recorded bonus tracks but I could live without these especially because the sound quality isn't very good.

Conclusion: Very good Japanese symphonic progressive similar to Renaissance.

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