DEDALUS

I discovered this self-titled DEDALUS gem around 1996 when Vinyl Magic sent me some promo CDs for my radio programme in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. To yours truly, this is 5 star prog.rock at its finest, but only if you like fusion progressive. This isn't your average jazz rock fusion record a la Mahavishnu Orchestra or Return To Forever. This will fall somewhere in between the Canterbury and R.I.O. schools. Highly experimental, but not unlisteneable. Certainly, traces of the aforementioned are evident. This would appeal to fans of "Islands-era King Crimson and Soft Machine "5"-era. One exception, DEDALUS is entirely instrumental. In fact, imagine the best instrumental sections from King Crimson's "Islands" fusing with Soft Machine "5"...and you've got yourself DEDALUS. To boot is an electric violinist sounding not unlike Jean-Luc Ponty and the more experimental aspects of a Didier Lockwood(re: Magma, Zao). The final track "Brilla" would've been an excellent track to follow up "A Sailor's Tale" on KC's "Islands". That's how great DEDALUS can sound. Other points of reference might be the Weather Report "I Sing The Body Electric"-era. This is a flawless piece of work. Masterpiece...no doubt about it.