A CURIOUS FEELING

An excellent debut solo album from the Genesis keyboard man.

Bank's is no extrovert in the vein of Wakeman or Emerson, and has no pretensions of being either of them. (It is ironic that this album is on the Charisma label, since, certainly as far as his stage presence is concerned, that's something he does not have.) His keyboard playing on Genesis albums is generally understated, with a few obvious exceptions such as the magnificent "Cinema show" where allows himself a little slack, and comes up with a virtuoso performance.

"A curious feeling" is built on the same foundations. Keyboards are always there it is true, but they by no means dominate the album. Banks prefers to offer the layers of sound on which his fellow musicians can place the main performances. The vocals (by Kim Beacon, one time of the highly under-rated String Driven Thing) are superb, giving an album which might otherwise have sounded similar to Genesis, a very different (although hardly "curious") feeling. A more accurate reference point might be the comparatively recent "Calling all stations" album, where Ray Wilson took on vocal duties.

There are some touches of supreme melody on the album such as "For a While" and "After the lie", the latter seeing Banks letting loose the reins for a magical burst of synthesiser. The pace is generally relaxed, almost ambient at times, but with the occasional release of energy.

In all a fine album, well worth seeking out.

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