BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE

The debut album ("Crossing The Line") of this Turkish / French band was rather promising and even if prog was not really a prominent genre at the time, "Between Flesh And Devine" was almost condemned to remain an obscure witness of these progless days.

Fully symphonic and very much reminiscent of the early seventies, this album will full your ears with wonderful melodies. Mostly instrumental, keys as well as flute are on the front line. The opener "Nightwind" is a very good example.

Noticeable influences range from the early Genesis '("Trespass"), Camel, Focus and to a certain extent the symphonic KC. "Northern Lights" holds those elements. It is the longest song of this short album. The structure goes from peaceful and subtle music to harder and almost aggressive riffs. Vocals remind me at times the band "Ramses" (Germany). Very soft.

"Boundless" is probably the only blunder in their (short) career. Mellow and naïve. Vocals here are pretty awful. Fortunately, it is the shortest song of the album. As long as "Dedicace" remains instrumental, there is nothing wrong with it but vocals are, again, weak. This song is very much in the Camel mood (vocals were not their stronger side either).

The Turkish roots from Setrak and Eril, are not to be found on this album. Which is a pity. It was part of the charm of their debut album. Some Oriental flavour would have been welcome.

"Lost In A Dream Yell" shows the contradiction I have already been referring to : brilliant instrumental passages (mainly flute) and flat vocals. The closing number will be a bit repetitive and little inspired.

Some very good stuff here, but some average as well. Three stars.