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Gracious - This Is ... Gracious !! CD (album) cover

THIS IS ... GRACIOUS !!

Gracious

 

Symphonic Prog

3.82 | 134 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer
3 stars Man it must have been frustrating to be at the mercy of the record label you were signed with back in the day.To have them wanting you to change your style and sound all in the name of selling more records. GRACIOUS had to wait 2 years after completing this record before the record company would release it, by then the band had folded. I do like this better than the debut although much like CRESSIDA's two releases there isn't a lot to choose between the first and second albums as they are fairly evenly matched. More mellotron in this one though.

"Super Nova" was the 25 minute side long opening suite. It's experimental and spacey early then we get this beat rising out of the atmosphere around 2 minutes then it turns powerful. Some great drumming here. A change after 4 minutes then the vocals arrive and they are passionate.The mood becomes cheerful 6 1/2 minutes in as the tempo picks up. It does settle back with vocals and guitar.The vocals stop and the tempo picks back up 9 1/2 minutes in with the keyboards leading this time. It changes again before 11 minutes with strummed guitar and vocals. Mellotron joins in. A change to a darker sound 14 1/2 minutes. Silence a minute later. It turns experimental then the vocals return 17 minutes in as it stays mellow to the end.

"C.B.S." is a catchy little number.Vocals after a minute. Organ only before 3 minutes then the guitar and drums kick back in.The guitar starts to solo over top 4 minutes.Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes in. "Once On A Windy Day" opens with mellotron as reserved vocals join in. A full sound after 1 1/2 minutes.This is good. It settles back as contrasts continue. "Blue Skies And Alibis" is uptempo with prominant bass and guitar. It settles with vocals a minute in then it kicks back in as contrasts continue. "Hold Me Down" is a vocal led track. It's okay.

3.5 stars. A band that just hasn't caught on with me but is obviously very talented.

Mellotron Storm | 3/5 |

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