ISLE OF EIGHT

To my surprise this is the first review of this wonderful album. The long titletrack (at about 25 minutes) is scouting the borders between folk (acoustic guitar, tin whistle, flute), pop (mid-section of this composition) and symphonic (orchestral keyboards, church-organ like sound). The climates are frequently changing and features some very strong, Mike Oldfield inspired guitarwork (howling and fiery soli). The second song is even longer with a running time from more than 27 minutes, it delivers a beautiful intro with twanging acoustic guitar and classical guitar runs (overdubs), soon joined by flute and electric guitar. Again the fiery electric guitar evokes Mike Oldfield, accompanied by bombastic keyboards. The rest of this songs alternates between mellow (flute, twanging acoustic guitars, solo piece on classical guitar) and more bombastic and compelling with organ and great electric guitar (from sensitive to biting). The final track is 'only' 12 minutes, it starts with a mellow climate and modern keyboards, followed by a catchy rhythm and a heavy guitar sound. This slowly culminates in a sumptuous grand finale with howling guitar. A PLEASANT ALBUM THAT BLENDS FOLK, POP AND SYMPHONIC!