FOUNTAINS OF LIGHT

Starcastle is an American symphonic progressive rock band from Champaign, Illinois, which was formed in 1972. It was disbanded in 1987, reformed between 1997 and 2007 and that was re-reformed again since 2018. However, in reality, Starcastle was born in 1969 as St. James. In 1974 they adopted the name Starcastle, and in 1976 the band released their eponymous debut studio 'Starcastle'. While critics point to Starcastle as a Yes' replica, the album was admittedly a hit, especially in the United States and Canada. Since they were a successful band in the beginning of their musical career, they were opening acts for bands such as Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, Kansas, Boston, Rush, Journey, and some others.

Despite have a sound very similar to that of Yes, in reality their music is a bit lighter, as if they wanted to do something more environmental, more AOR. Their interpretations are clear, precise and well executed. They use the vocals as vocal games, like if they are part of another instrument, thereby losing some of the intention used in the instrumental parts.

After the success of 'Starcastle', their record label Epic decided to entrust the group to Roy Thomas Baker who was responsible for discovering Queen and with whom he produced the first five albums of Queen. So, it was with Baker that Starcastle released 'Fountains Of Light', which is in general considered their masterpiece. The album didn't reissue the same commercial success as its predecessor, yet it sold very well. The arguments at the time were to consider the first one more accessible, while this one with more complex lines eventually decreased their audience.

The band's style is often compared to Yes largely because of the Luttrell voice, which is sometimes indistinguishable from Jon Anderson's, and the arrangements given some resemblance to albums like 'Time And A Word' and 'Fragile'. The lyrics also address Anderson's favourite themes, evoking admiration for nature, high spirits and fantasy. However, the group considers the influence of other styles, notably North American groups like Kansas, Boston, Styx and REO Speedwagon. And indeed, they can meet all this demand with quality by producing a great progressive rock album.

So, 'Fountain Of Lights' is the second studio album of Starcastle. The line up on 'Fountain Of Lights' is Terry Luttrell (lead vocals), Matthew Stewart (backing vocals and electric guitar), Stephen Hagler (backing vocals and electric guitar), Herb Schildt (piano, synthesizer and organ), Gary Strater (backing vocals, bass guitar and Moog Taurus) and Stephen Tassler (backing vocals, drums and percussion).

'Fountain Of Lights' has six tracks. The first track 'Fountains' is the epic track on the album. The album gets off on the right foot and as the ten minute long song winds its way through complex, yet upbeat passages, it becomes an almost irresistible combination. Luttrell really has the capability to mesmerise with his tone and delivery and while he was brought right to the forefront of the Starcastle sound, by no means does he overshadow it. The second track 'Dawning Of The Day' is a bright and airy track allowing the arranging skills of the band to shine through. The keyboards really do rule, especially when you consider this was a twin guitar band, however Matthew Stuart and Stephen Hagler's six string work is still an integral part of what is going on here. The third track 'Silver Winds' continues in the same style. It's a catchy symphonic progressive rock track which just stucks in your head and refuses to get out of there. It has a more commercial feel, but the use of odd rhythm patterns and the synth layers keep it from be a mere AOR song. The fourth track 'True To The Light' adds even more pomp to Starcastle's sound. Schildt is in absolutely imperious from as he conducts and marshals all the other instruments in impressive fashion and the layers of vocals are simply sublime. The fifth track 'Portraits' is a very catchy track that also contains some of the standout guitar work on the album. It's a relaxed track with very beautiful melodies and instrumental sections dominated by the Moog sounds of Schildt, who actually is the most dominant musician in Starcastle's sound. The sixth track 'Diamond Song (Deep Is The Light)' comprises nice melodies, beautifully crafted vocal harmonies, an excellent organ solo, and a great Strater bass playing. With its chorus and multi-vocal parts in a more commercial vibe, they illustrate what would be the third album 'Citadel'.

Conclusion: 'Fountains Of Light' has gorgeous harmonies, bass lines playing as a lead instrument, symphonic keyboard flourishes, excellent guitar playing, impeccable drumming and nice vocals. It's true that it sounds like Yes, but it sounds like the 'Great Yes'. This is as good as anything Yes was putting out in the end of the 70's. But, there is here something more than Yes. There's also an American outlook added with hints of Kansas and a stronger helping of Styx ensuring that Starcastle weren't quite a Yes' pure clone. I don't deny that the keyboard of Herb Schildt, the bass playing of Gary Strater and voice of Terry Luttrell do strongly rely on Wakeman, Squire and Anderson for inspiration. But, when the results are this convincing, does that really matter? This is a classic of 70's American prog rock, really.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Share this STARCASTLE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to VianaProghead
• Report this review (#3116985)
• Buy STARCASTLE music online with PA partners
• Show all STARCASTLE MP3/Stream
• Go to STARCASTLE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Fountains of Light page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for STARCASTLE related discussions