OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW

I think the key word here is unique. Although other words I would also use to describe this record would be intricate, floating, atmospheric and drifting.

The songs all flow so seamlessly, and during the first song "Ocean Song" there is this Mike Oldfield vibe going on. The elements that make up the sound here are synths, percussion, harp and acoustic guitar and of course Jon's vocal, that don't appear until part way through the second song "Meeting (Garden Of Geda)". There is an Eastern sound to the next two songs, and the vocal arrangments on "Dance of Ranyart" are pretty amazing.

Part way through "Qoquac En Transic" the percussion dominates, and there are also some unique sounds that come and go. "Flight Of The Moorglade" is a melodic, slower paced song with some harp, as well as cool vocal melodies. "Solid Space" is very spacey and the soundscape builds.The vocal melodies are again so well done. "Moon Ra" opens with an explosion and then vocal melodies come in. The conclusion of the song is very spacey. "To the Runner" is catchy for the most part and closes with synths.

I have to hand it to Jon Anderson for creating something so different from YES. This really isn't my favourite style of music to listen to but I think every prog fan should at least check out "Olias Of Sunhillow".