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IN THE REGION OF THE SUMMER STARS (1984)The EnidSymphonic Prog4.25 | 204 ratings |
From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website
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![]() The Enid was founded in 1974 by Godfrey and the guitarists Francis Lickerish and Stephen Stewart. Accompanied by a drummer, bassist and another keyboard player, they signed a deal with EMI and recorded their magnificent debut album In the Region of Summer Stars (released on February 1976). Just like the Steve Hackett solo debut The Voyage of Acolyte (1975) a couple of months earlier, the inspiration and the concept was taken from the Tarot pack. The partly re-recorded 1984 release has a slightly different track list. This newer version is much better available than the original. The introductory 'Fool' starts with powerful piano chords. The watery sound effects and an ethereal trumpet pave way for more dynamic prog rock of 'The Tower of Babel'. However, both the detail-rich sound and the compositional style seem to be closer to (neo) romantic orchestral music than rock; the delicate and moody 'The Lost Ones' would almost pass for a slow movement of a piano concerto. On several tracks the synths are practically taking the place of strings, but for example electric guitar and drums are still easily recognized. On later Enid albums the technological development made it possible to take the (mock-) orchestral sound even further away from rock. In any case, as a strongly art music influenced prog album, In the Region of Summer Stars is a truly delicious work: romantic without being too sweet, and dynamic without being pretentious. A unique masterpiece.
Matti |
5/5 |
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