DAWN

The fifth "Eloy" album starts very strangely with five short to very tracks (total of just over eight minutes) which are not quite interesting. Vocals are almost unbearable and the string arrangements are nothing that could motivate me. The first true "song" has a more melodic and charming mood even if strings are again out of purpose but " The Sun Song" is a good song.

IMO, this album really starts with "The The Dance in Doubt and Fear". Finally the first great track. Spacey, psychedelic, hypnotic. More related to what one is expecting from the band.

I am not really in-line with most of the reviews posted here, but I can't help. This album doesn't speak to me. But it was the band's best selling effort so far (150,000 copies).

"Lost" also have its pleasant moments but if you except "Electric Light Orchestra", I have never been found of the mix of rock music (whatever the sub-genre) and a full orchestra. Sometimes it is over-invading and becomes more important than the band itself. In this respect, I prefer the second and short part : "Lost - The Decision". Fully atmospheric with good organ work. It is my fave of the album (but it only lasts for 2'16").

We'll get more psychedelia with "The Midnight Flight - The Victory of Mental Force". Drumming is very much "Set The Controls..." oriented. Not a bad track actually. As the closing number.

I don't know whether or not it is because this album holds more vocal parts than usual, but I just find them absolutely desastrous and it is a serious handicap for me to appreciate it. If you add these orchestrations throughout this work and the lack of powerful and effective songs you might understand why I am rating this album so low. This is my least favourite "Eloy" album so far.

Two stars.