REMEMBER THE FUTURE

Remember the Future is a pleasing, melodic, and well executed album of space/symphonic prog by one of the era's more under rated groups. Nektar combines thoughtful compositions, enjoyable dynamics, ever shifting melodies and textures, and a unique instrumental sound that is put to enjoyable effect throughout this rather short concept album.

Telling the story of a cosmic traveler, known as the Bluebird, and his retelling of Earth's history through the eyes of a sensitive blind child, Remember the Future's concept is perfect for the band's style that combines spacey keyboard and guitar textures juxtaposed to rousing riffing and melodic bass lines. The band plays very well, and the ambitious songwriting is really the star of the show here. While Albrighton and Moore are impressive players, their performances are restrained and thoughtful. The same goes Howden's drumming and Freeman's understated keyboards, which feel very much part of the composition. Don't expect any big solo moments. The band works is very tight, creating an album that stands as a piece of art rather than a series of songs or exciting highlights. Interestingly, there really isn't very many psychedelic moments in this album; in fact, it's actually pretty upbeat and heavy.

Albrighton's vocals are passable, though the lyrics are thought-provoking and memorable. Another example of the "total package" that Remember the Future offers.

One of the few criticisms I have of this album is that it doesn't have the dramatic momentum or emotional hooks to make it resonate with me like, say, Yes' Relayer, released in the same year. Nektar has many strengths as a band, but creating music that really grabs you isn't one of them. I enjoy them because they sound different than some of the other more well known prog groups, and this is a great album to begin discovering them with.

While not a masterpiece, Remember the Future is an excellent release and should be explored by anyone interested in music from prog-rock's greatest era.

Songwriting: 4 - Instrumental Performances: 4 - Lyrics/Vocals: 3 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 4