A SHADOW OF THE PAST

Let's be honest here: very few of prog music appreciators would expect a masterpiece from an album released in 1984, by the band who's name suggests an uncanny Genesis wannabe. Yet musically it bears more resemblance with Camel of same period, Latimer's combo was veering towards digital synth-heavy digitalized sound at that time and so did Foxtrot.

It's clear that this kind of digital gear is better suited to synth pop and other easier genres than for lengthy prog excursions, but throughout this album band does much to recapture progressive compositional nuances with this particular sound. They don't always succeed. Notably the rhythm section lacks ingenuity and punch, but that was the baleful fashion of that era (remember Marillion's first and many other neo prog albums?).

Despite these drawbacks, nothing here is criminally bad. The poppiest moments could belong to Camel's "Stationary Traveller" album, which is not by itself a worst ever reference. On the other hand, you can find some excellent melodic moments, like the title song and especially the ending of "Warhero".

To put it short, nowhere near essential, but this is above average to good album so 3 stars would be right. Recommended for those who like 80s Camel, The Alan Parsons Project and clever pop-prog and for rarity seekers.