PHANTASMAGORIA

There won't be another track that will come close to it. It holds a fascinating vocal melody, aerial keys and furious guitar as well; an upbeat second half which solidly rocks is highly welcome. It is one of my all-time fave from the band.

Their ''Renaissance'' oriented music shines during the sweet acoustic and folkish ballad ''Melinda'' but even more during the bombastic ''Not Quite The Same''. Classical & medieval influences combined with a brilliant vocal interpretation from Sonja (again).

The other genius of the band, Darryl Way, has full authority to show his violin skills with the instrumental ''Cheetah''. Compositions on this third album are short (except two), but the whole sounds pleasant to my ears. The upbeat title track is a marvellous patchwork of all their characteristics: crafted song writing, subtle violin, impeccable vocals and great rhythmic section. This is a very good number indeed.

There is a weird experimental track featured on this album: ''Whose Shoulder Are You Looking Over Anyway'' is hardly memorable; I would even recommend to press next in order to reach the longest piece of music available: ''Over & Above''.

This song is more complex than usual, but the ''Renaissance'' feel is very much present. Don't forget though, that these bands were contemporary and that the true ''Renaissance'' sound developed from ''Prologue'' in 1972 (which is incidentally the same one from this work as well). So, which band influenced the other?

There is a long and jazzy instrumental section which nicely combines some brass, violin and above all keys. The bombastic finale is the most poignant part of the album and features a loudly guitar solo (not so frequent in ''Curved Air'' music).

If you except the dispensable ''Whose Shoulder.'', there are no weak tracks but apart from the brilliant opener, there aren't many jewels either. The closing '' Once A Ghost.'' being just a filler IMHHO. A loose jazzy jam.

You shouldn't look for intricate music here, the band mostly plays a fine symphonic prog; once you have acknowledged this you can embark the trip with no fear.

Three stars.

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