IMPRESSION

These guys surely went to the right CAMEL school of business: they've learnt all their chops, memorized every mood and every theme, probably even stole part of their soul along the way. ODYSSICE sound very much like the old masters and their album "Impression" features all of the well-known camelesque progressive elements such as the epic concept, mythical lyrics, luscious arrangements, soaring mlodies, right down to the weepy LATIMER guitar solos. Of course, there is - and always will be - only one CAMEL. For proof, "Impression" does not sustain the magic through out as CAMEL albums do, hence my 3-star rating (3 1/2 would perhaps have been more appropriate.)

The best tracks are the opener "Scream", a slow/fast/slow number that features old CAMEL elements mixed together (think back to the days of "Skylines"). "Señkan" is an exquisite slow track with an oriental/asiatic flavour. "Olympus" is a highly melodic mid-tempo tune that will sweep you off your feet right from the start: prominent synths, good drum play, varied themes and a dramatic dénouement. The title track "Impression" is an eerie guitar-dominated piece with haunting synths in the background and features no percussion whatsoever. "Crusader", whose arrangements are very reminiscent of ALAN PARSONS', is a fast piece that could have been a killer had it been done in 7/8 (somehow, this one just begs to be done in 7/8). "Anuradhapura" has a nice melody and is another track with highly ALAN PARSONS sound-alike arrangements. "Flower of Scotland" is a quiet, Celtic accoustic guitar piece reminiscent of CLANNAD's material. Finally, the epic closing track "A Prophet's Dream" (my personal favourite) doesn't sound like much at the beginning; if you care to hear listen, however, you'll be mightily rewarded. It's a slow builder with a highly memorable theme that ends up soaring high and mighty. Its pattern is very similar to that of "Ice" (CAMEL), complete with a weeping guitar solo, prominent piano and buckets of floating keyboard washes.