FANTASY OF HORSES

I marked down the Armada because, despite the bold musical concept, the quality of the performances did not match the compositions. Fantasy of Horses is a big step forward. Here the instrumental work is impeccable, Keith Hoban's vocal technique has improved considerably over the intervening year - more clarity of tone, less wobble, improved freedom in the upper register - and we no longer have to put up with the dreadful choir that ruined the previous album. Julian Browning's compositional technique has also matured somewhat, and this is particularly on display in the impressive side-long title track - the 'classical' sections display a much more sophisticated musical language than previously heard. OTOH, the Mahavishnu influences come much more to the fore on this album, particularly in two excellent shorter tracks that show off the rhythm section to great effect, as well as the frontline soloists - "Rebecca" and "Caption for the City Night Life". Although we hear somewhat more guitar on this album, it is still the brass and woodwind that dominate the sound, and by this time the band also incorporated a string section - you'd never think you were listening to a rock band. Despite the obvious Crimson and Mahavishnu influences, you could never accuse Rainbow Theatre of copying anyone - they are completely unique.