ORION

PANTHEON were a four piece band out of The Netherlands releasing this one album back in 1972. They were the first Dutch band to be signed by the Vertigo label. And they play Canterbury music! So we get flute, sax and a variety of keyboards along with the usual instruments. This is a band who can create some memorable melodies to say the least. I think my only complaint is how lightweight it is at times but we don't veer into that territory very often.

So glad to see SillyPuppy's 4 stars and Tom Hayes giving this 4.5 stars, I'm in good company with my four star rating. I say this because there are some low ratings for this one and I'm not sure why. This was love at first listen and the only thing missing is the distorted keyboards that are so common in this style of music. The first three tracks are my favourites then there's a short 1 1/2 minute tune called "The Madman" and then the side long self titled suite worth 19 1/2 minutes. I do like that long track "Orion" but it could have been a lot better as I feel they nailed the first three songs big time.

"Daybreak" is short at 2 1/2 minutes but it's almost like finger food before the main course arrives. Love the vocal melodies which are so Canterbury and we get plenty of flute and piano too. A lively and fun song with some tasteful guitar as well. Unlike the opener "Anais" is a melancholic piece at 5 minutes. Flute, guitar, synths and some jazzy drum work here. Some repeated themes here and it does brighten before 3 minutes which lasts a minute then we get some light sounds I'm not big on.

"Apocalyps" is an 11 minute long tune and they come out swinging with sax, organ and synths standing out before calming right down with floating organ. It kicks back in then we get a steady sound that's sax led reminding me of WIGWAM. The tempo will continue to shift and flute will lead next. The next calm features some vocal melodies, organ and piano. I like the jazzy drumming after 3 minutes. Jazzy guitar leads before 5 minutes and it will return again before 7 minutes with flute, bass and drums before more vocal melodies. These guys are so good at repeating themes.

I consider myself a huge Canterbury fan and this is one of those lost treasures in my opinion that makes "the hunt" so worth it.