TAÏ PHONG

3.5 stars. This is actually a pretty good record that maybe drifts into AOR a little too far at times but a quality album. Founded by two Vietnamese brothers in France we get a five piece here with two guitarists, drums, keyboards and bass but there's a couple of multi-instrumentalists on here. Lots of vocals and man the one guy can sing as in the example we have on that opening track.

I was surprised at the love/ hate that is directed at this album here, it certainly has brought out some emotions. I guess I'm in the middle feeling that this was a talented outfit who maybe went into the commercial direction more than I'd like but a solid album. Now that ballad that made them some money "Sister Jane" causes a divide for sure and while I almost to a fault complain about ballads this is one I liked instantly but I can also say I would get sick of it fairly quickly like the poppy hits of yesterday.

The vocals on the opener "Going Away" are so impressive, I mean he just lets go with no reserve. This is fast paced including the vocals with the line "Anywhere's better than here" standing out. Then It's "Sister Jane" followed by "Crest" with the fast paced drumming and floating organ. So three short songs to start and they end it with three long one from over 7 1/2minutes to 11 1/2 minutes. The standout of the three is the closer "Out Of The Night" opening with wind and thunder. Reminds me that TAI PHONG means Strong Wind in Vietnamese. Anyways some guitar solos, vocals, piano and floating organ over the 11 1/2 minutes. I just like the sound of this one.

I enjoyed parts of this a lot but in the end 3 stars seems right but if your into the more melodic side of Prog you should check this out.