A STREET BETWEEN SUNRISE AND SUNSET

I bought this album at the same time as I purchased 'Moonshine' by Collage, this band's predecessor. That is an excellent album...see my review for it elsewhere. This album, too, although slightly different, has the same sort of feel and tone, although, to me, the recording is brighter here. This is another wonderful, melodic release. The keyboards shine through here, especially on the first track, 'The Evening Wind'. This, and the next song, are the best two tracks on the album, in my opinion. The melody is wonderful, Robert Amirian's voice has grown on me a lot since I first heard it, and he suits this style of music well. The song sets the scene for the rest of the album. Mirek Gil already has a fine reputation in my eyes, and his playing is quite Hackett-like and melodic. The other guitarist here, Sarhan, is unknown to me, but acquits himself equally well. 'On The Run' is another superb, long track. The guitar work here is stunning in parts, with lots of solos throughout the song. In fact, the only tiny bit that stops this being a masterpiece, is right at the end, were the guitar strings are bent so far they are quite rough and out of tune. But that alone doesn't detract from the exhilarating effect this song has on me. The other tracks are shorter, and all have something to hold the listener. My favourites among them include 'Not Afraid', 'No Disgrace' and 'Now'. Ironically, for me, the weakest track is the last, 'Children'. Not that it is a bad song, but, compared to the others it lets the album down a little for an end song. One thing that has miffed me though, I notice on the track listening above that there are two tracks now added to it. Seems it has been remastered, but the original sounds great, and is only two years old, for God's sake! Unnecessary, methinks. Anyway, that niggle aside, this is worth every penny. Superb prog from Poland, infused with melody and skilled playing. Don't just sit there, go and get it!