WAITING...

Fantastic obscure US Prog band,formed in 1977 in Spokane by teenagers Kevin Dodson and Dave Cebert.MADRIGAL toured extensively in Northern US and Canada,playing both covers and original compositions,but never had the chance to record an official album.So they reasonably disbanded in early 80's.However they came back in late 80's with only Kevin Dodson from the original members and recorded their debut ''Waiting''.

The sound of the album is an absolute surprise considering the time of its release,strong GENTLE GIANT influences all the way with some lighter KANSAS overtones.The result is so close to another unknown band,TERRACED GARDEN or even ECHOLYN and SPOCK'S BEARD without commercial traces.The vocal department is excellent,no matter the band delivers multi- or mono-vocal harmonies.A variety of keys,piano and synths along with the changing climates and sudden breaks produces the atmosphere only GENTLE GIANT could create.Guitars alternate constantly from acoustic to electric with a bit of banjo on some tracks.Some strings and flute doses make the album even richer.Complexity,atmosphere and melody combine almost perfectly in every track.

It is certainly a crime this band is so overlooked.In late 80's you could find plenty of Jazz Rock albums,some Symphonic or Classic Prog works but definitely not such an eclectic effort.MADRIGAL belong from today among my favorite all-time bands and their debut comes more than highly recommended by my side.