SARABANDES

Having gotten this disc on the cheap, I didn't know what to expect, (even though I heard of them). I knew through prog websites this was their suppose of, best album, I was unimpressed at first listening. Over time tho, I've grown to like the pleasant mix of gentleness/explosiveness of the work. They come across as a Happy The Man style of prog mixed with Gryphon renaissanceness, very masterful instrumentation with minimal vocalization. I'm not happy with the Midi drumwork which gives this 1990 disc an 80's sheen, but the guitar work is exemplory. Keyboards also, at times, remind me of the sterle 80's, but here and there they have some good moments. At times they throw in some medival tones balancing the overall sound away from some new age moments. Coming right down to the nitty-gritty, if you're interested in some pleasant laidback prog with burst of guitar energy and slick keyboards, this might be your bag. If, on the other hand, you're looking for some meat and potatoes prog, then stay away. A very good disc rating 3.5 stars, (I'll give them a push into the 4 star zone just because the guitarist is that good).