THE SUN ALSO RISES

I am practically newbie as far as Knight Area concern as I only knew the band couple of months ago when a friend of mine introduced me to this 'The Sun Also Rises' album. It was not much I expected at first because of 'neo-prog' label on the kind of music this band plays and the fact that there have been many bands in this sub-genre. So was the case when I first spun the album as it sounded typical neo-prog where keyboard and guitar are dominant in the composition. But on the second spin I found the music was very interesting especially on brave guitar solo during interlude section or in between musical segments. Not only that, the keyboard also plays critical role in putting it all together in a solid composition throughout the album.

It has come to my attention, actually, that when we talk about neo-prog there are basically two categories. The first category is the kind of music that early Marillion (Fish era) plays where there are basically putting more high energy (refer to songs like 'Assassing', 'Garden Party', 'Forgotten Sons', 'He Knows You Know'). Pallas ('Beat The Drum'), IQ ('The Wake', 'The Darkest Hour', 'Tunnel Vision') and Arena ('A Crack In The Ice', 'Welcome to The Cage') may fall into this category. The second category is those bands who play in mellow / slower tempo music in moody, ambient style like the music of Camel. Bands under this category are Pendragon, Red Sand, and Knight Area. Under this category, the music is much digestible for wider audience because it has stronger pop nuances.

Below writing describes my thoughts on the music of Knight Area in this album with some comments on some tracks ?

The opening overture 'Beyond' (0:27) sets an excellent tone for the whole album as it starts with an ambient music featuring Latimer-like guitar playing. It flows nicely to the next excellent track 'The gate of eternity' (7:21) which starts with an ambient style followed by melodic vocal line accompanied by guitar fills and long sustain keyboard work at background. I have to admit that the opening vocal line here is quite catchy and sometimes reminds me to the music of Symphonic Slam. What follows is a stunning guitar solo in the vein of Marillion's 'Sugar Mice' guitar interlude but in much slower tempo. You can imagine how slow the music is as compared to Marillion because 'Sugar Mice' is basically a mellow track in 'Clutching At Straw' album.

'Conspiracy' (5:38) brings more energy to the music with keyboard-drenched intro in an interesting musical part. Even though I do not quite like the part when vocal starts to roll but this song is excellent that you may recall the keyboard part is in the vein of Marillion's 'Garden Party'. 'Forever now' (4:21) runs in faster tempo and the music is something similar with Camel style with more portion of keyboard work. The keyboard solo is in fact very good, especially when it's combined with skillful guitar playing. The title track 'The sun also rises' (5:51) is an instrumental piece in mellow style. 'A new day at last' (5:12) starts with a catchy piano solo followed with melodic vocal line backed with stunning guitar work.

I can recommend you to have this album, especially if you love the mellow side of neo-prog and stunning guitar solo combined with keyboard. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild ? GW

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