LIALIM HIGH

It's discovering albums like this that make searching for Prog so worthwhile. This is a good example of why I like Neo-Prog so much. The vocals alone move me a lot. Some say he (Johan Hansson) sounds a lot like Peter Nicholls from IQ, and there is maybe some similarity, all I know is that he sings with such conviction and emotion. The music reminds me of early GENESIS and MARILLION with the focus squarely on the vocals.

"Twelve Feet Tall" opens with mellotron and synths with drums arriving a minute in. The mellotron continues. Vocals 2 minutes in.Tasteful guitar follows. The vocals stop 5 minutes in as the synths become prominant. Mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes followed by vocals. The vocals are quite passionate during the final minute. "Blinded" opens with gentle guitar and reserved vocals.Beautiful sound. It's so moving after 1 1/2 minutes and before 3 minutes.The is GENESIS inspired wonder. A tasteful guitar solo as vocals stop before 4 minutes. Vocals return with mellotron a minute later. This is my favourite song on here.

"The Pelican Lie" opens with prominant drums before it settles down with mellotron and guitar, then synths join in. Vocals follow. Great sound 2 1/2 minutes in as guitar takes the lead. Lots of mellotron 5 minutes in and throughout.. Vocals stop 6 minutes in as guitar and drums take the lead. Vocals are back a minute later as it calms down with mellotron. Back to full sound 10 1/2 minutes in.Themes are repeated in this 14 plus minute track. "Famous Last Words" opens with lots of piano before giving way to guitar and drums. Synths follow. It settles as those great vocals come in. I like the drumming when the vocals stop 3 minutes in. Check out the passionate vocals and guitar 6 minutes in. Mellotron late. Nice. "A Sign Of Decline" is led by gentle guitar until the tempo picks up with drums and synths. Vocals follow. Mellotron before 5 minutes. Lots of synths until a calm with mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes to the end. "The Final Decision" is led by solid sounding drums and synths throughout this closing instrumental.

A very solid 4 stars from me for this special album.