THE WINDOW OF LIFE

The 80's years were really frustrating for Pendragon.The band suffered from line-up changes and struggled to find a specific style of playing,but with the excellent ''The world'' things seemed to be back on track.Now the band's leader Nick Barrett had a stable core to base his ideas on and in 1993 ''The window of life'' sees the light on Pendragon's own label Toff Records.The album has been re-issued by Toff in 2006,including the upcoming 1994 EP ''Fallen Dreams And Angels''.

While ''The world'' was the first step into a succesful career,''The Window of Life'' established Pendragon as one of the most talented and unique bands of the neo progressive style with a very personal sound.Six mainly long compositions of heaven-sent atmospheric progressive rock guarantee a fantastic listening.Barrett's guitar style draws influences by the best moments of PINK FLOYD and is very sensitive and emotional,while his vocals are more than bearable,beginning to be a major part of the band's music.To criticise Clive Nolan's keyboard work is quite sinful.His performance is a pleasant experience,from ethereal background keys to classical-inspired light piano passages,every note coming out of his keyboards is magnificent.The arrangements of the album are well-crafted,inspiring and fully complete,featuring heart-felt solos,atmospheric parts,expressive vocals and changing moods.Of course to be totally honest,there are definite MARILLION and GENESIS influences throughout the listening,but the overall style is very very personal.

I really don't know how many times I've listened to the previous and the presented Pendragon albums,but I think the ''The window of life'' is slightly more complete and progressive,featuring longer compositions and being more adventurous as a result.Highly recommended espevially to fans of neo/symphonic rock and anyone seeking for lovely melodies in an easy-listening mood.