CAMEL

If you are familiar with the rest of CAMEL's career, you will realise that other albums are more daring and less rocky then this one, however this debut is still full of charming melodies, soaring guitar/keyboard interplays and pleasant vocals.

"Slow Yourself Down" and "Mystic Queen" are not very demanding, but they are excellent tracks with perfect ratio of instruments, clever developments and...wait a second, that is actually a definition of almost any song from the band's catalogue. Well, the point is that band paved the way for their unique sound at the very beginning of their career. The opening guitar arpeggio in "Mystic Queen" was exploited in one of the songs by ex-Yugoslavian band GALIJA few years later.

"Six Ate" is not so cryptic title as it may look at first sight, it's actually quite self-explanatory; the majority of the song is in 6/8 time measure. Very pleasant instrumental work.

"Separation" and "Curiosity" are two beautiful multipart tracks, so typical for early CAMEL and so enjoyable.

The highlight of the album is the song "Never Let Go". It's simply outstanding. Excellent tune, breathtaking melodies...and the sound. Oh my God, the sound. This is an album from 1973 - and this song sounds so ahead of its time - like it was recorded in the middle 80's. The similar atmospheres and sounds could be experienced if you listen to Paul Young, PET SHOP BOYS or U2 - please don't get me wrong, I'm only talking about the sound of an era. Mellotron tapestries are sweet, flute-sounding solo is unforgettable.

In my opinion, this album is a masterpiece of sound production, so crystal clear and lush and juicy at the same time. Perfect balance between all instruments. Bravo!

The closing track, "Arubaluba" is yet another pleasant instrumental work utilising furious solo played on overdriven Hammond organ through the wah-wah pedal. The guitar part that sounds like it's been played in common time measure (and of course it was not) is also worth mentioning.

At the end of the day, this might be not the best CAMEL album around, but it's well worth your precious time. Recommended both for newbies and veterans.

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