KEYBOARD TRIANGLE II

The first edition of this Japanese project blew me away, my favorite Japanese progrock bands Gerard and Ars Nova playing seven compositions from legendary progrock bands (ELP, Rick Wakeman, PFM, Trace and Il Balletto Di Bronzo), what a Vintage Keyboard Heaven! If you like bombastic, keyboard driven prog, well, that album is ultra bombastic virtuosic keyboard driven prog.

In 2002 the second edition was released, I own the 2010 remaster, all tracks are played by my first Japanese progrock love Gerard (I am a huge fan since I bought their first two album in the early Nineties).

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man (8:02) : What a captivating start, a King Crimson cover with organ and synthesizers (by Japanese keyboard wizard Toshio Egawa) but it sounds great. I even conclude that Gerard did an outstanding job by blending the typical Gerard elements (bombastic keyboards and a furious rhythm-section) and the heart of this dark and compelling song. The vocals by Simon Nakaji are OK, no more or less.

2. Danger Money (8:02) : A strong rendition with powerful drums and exciting keyboards, my only negative remark concerns the vocals, too powerless and too much a disturbing accent (I am sure former Gerard singer Robin Suchy would have done a way better job on this album).

3. Knife Edge (6:32) : Awesome Hammond organ work, a mindblowing rhythm-section and wonderful part featuring a church organ sound, for sure an extra dimension. But again the vocals are the weak point, too much a poor contrast with with powerful and bombastic atmospheres. Like a sparrow wants to overscream a bold eagle.

4. Alaska-Time To Kill (7:40) : This track starts with an impressive keyboard intro and a jawdropping imitation of Eddie Jobson his distorted electric violin sound, very spectacular, one of the highlights!

5. Lark's Tongues In Aspic Part Two (6:54) : The second King Crimson cover, also in this composition Gerard surprises us with swirling Hammond organ, supported by powerful and fluent bass play and propulsive drums, topped by wonderful violin work. As in the first King Crimson cover, Gerard succeed to show an own face without doing harm to the heart of the song.

Although I in my opinion the instrumental first edition is superior to this second effort, I consider it as very interesting, mainly due to the awesome renditions of the two King Crimson compositions. Here we can enjoy how Japanese prog rises to the occasion, blending their distinctive vintage keyboards drive prog with Classic Prog!

My rating: 3,5 star.