MORNING LIGHTS

- I was impressed by the debut CD In The Haze Of Time (2002), especially the swirling keyboard work from the young and promising Gil Stein. It took four years to make a successor, it's entitled Morning Lights. The cover (Sleeping Giant) is very funny, showing a giant that is sleeping on a bridge with his head on a fire brigade car. But back to the music.

1. Songs Of Winds (3.38) : The atmosphere is this first song is Medieval (and JS Bach inspired) with a delicate flute sound and sparkling keyboards.

2. Morning Lights (21.33) : The long titletrack is loaded with great keyboard play and sounds very dynamic, the fans of bands like Trace and The Nice will be delighted. I am not really pleased with the mediocre vocals but there's plenty good instrumental music to enjoy.

3. Ripples (12.16) : (This is not a Genesis cover) The intro delivers the distinctive sound of the harpsichord, then it's Hammond organ time, what a mighty sound and also the synthesizer flights sound awesome! Again the mediocre vocals don't add an extra dimension to the music but the exciting keyboards and dynamic rhythm-section are caressing my ears.

4. Vivaldish (5.39) : This tribute to Vivaldi could have come from a Trace album, what a virtuosic keyboards (great Hammond sound) along some fine flute sounds.

5. Forest Birds'Fantasy (4.59) : The final song has strong classical overtones featuring a fluent rhythm, swirling keyboards and again some flute sounds.

I have to admit that I had expected a little bit more from this new album: more variety, some real highlights and better vocals. But in general Trespass makes pleasant and melodic, very entertaining keyboard-driven prog. If this trio matures in writing, they can become the new Trace!