FLOOD

'Flood', released in 1995, is the successor to Everon's debut 'Paradoxes', and although the sound is very similar to its predecessor, it is pleasing to see a gradual evolution and maturity in the song writing and composition of the material.

Although in 'Paradoxes' and 'Marching Out', the debut album had a couple of longer tracks, the band didn't seem to make the most of them by varying the tempo. On 'Flood', it is clear to see a growing maturity, as during both the 8 minute tracks, 'Under Skies....Of Blue' and 'In All That Time', the time is used to its full potential, to create a broader canvas, and thereby create the two stand-out tracks on the album. With the haunting, atmospheric piano opening of 'Under Skies' with the orchestral backing, and the crescendo of the chorus 'So, here I am, just a man with his empty hands', the albums opens strongly, and is complimented by the very catchy 'In All That Time', where the chorus pleads 'I lay awake at night, wishing you would hold me tight', a line I have accidentally caught myself singing while doing the housework, much to the consternation of others! This for me set out the principle that in general, Everon's stronger tracks have tended to be their longer ones.

Sadly, the rest of the album doesn't have the same consistency of quality, although there is certainly a much greater variety of styles, moods and tempo in 'Flood' which makes it more listenable. This can be born out, both by the bombast of Cavemen at one extreme, and the enigmatic, atmnospheric, saxophone lead title track, which closes the album.

One final point of note is that while Oliver Philipps has a strong voice, his vocal range is limited, and on earlier Everon releases, he sings with quite a strong German lilt, which recedes gradually, with each successive release. Having said this it doesn't bother me personally, neither should it anyone interested in quality Art-Prog in the Enchant/ Saga/ 80's Rush vein.