LIGHT IN EXTENSION

UK act Legend came from Runcorn, Cheshire, starting their career in 1988 under the force of keyboardist Steve Paine.Initially the band performed as a six-piece outfit with Kerry Parker and Debbie Chapman on vocals, Steve Paine on keyboards, Paul Thomson on guitars, Shaun Gallagher on bass and Chris Haskayne on drums.Struggling to find their way on the local music scene, Legend had also to battle with the departure of Parker and later of Gallagher.Moving on as a five-piece and eventually finding the bass player in the face of Ian Lees, Legend recorded their debut ''Light in Extension'' in 1991 for Pagan Records.

Fronted by a trully gifted female vocalist and characterized by their explosive and fiery style, Legend played somekind of Celtic Rock with MIKE OLDFIELF-like references, apparently bringing to mind most well-known bands like IONA, KARNATAKA or MOSTLY AUTUMN.Their sound was largely based on manic, powerful grooves with a dual collaboration between strong guitar drives and flashy synthesizers, supported by a huge and steady rhythm section, managing to produced a dramatic, epic but also trully enjoyable atmosphere.The reason for their Celtic-sounding themes comes through Debbie Chapman's crystalline and dreamy voice, the use of atmospheric synthesizers and the folkish tunes on the choruses.Legend produced highly memorable tunes with some catchy but always artistic musicianship overall with no desire for complex themes but a lust for playing music from the heart.The longer cuts contain though some nice instrumental parts with light PINK FLOYD inspirations on the guitar solos and a couple of good organ jams.

Satisfying, dynamic Celtic-influenced Art Rock by Legend on this first album, easily recommended for fans of the style.Yet I can see even metal fans praising this release.If you are into this kind of contemporary rock music, ''Light in Extension'' can only offer moments of delight to your ears.Warmly recommended.