AT THE SOUND OF THE BELL

I'm just teetering on the brink of 5-stars right now, but considering how much I listen to this record and how many both subtle and blatant proggy elements there are on here, "At The Sound Of The Bell" is a progressive masterpiece. Just. Of course, it lacks the rawness of that timeless debut "Pampered Menial", but there are certain intricacies and dexterities that I find irresistible. These almost outweigh the negative factors of it being a more suppressed album with that pandering-to-the-record-comapny feeling that seems to loom over it, but you soon forget about it given the prolific talents within the band.

"She Came Shining" is your typical symphonic opener with a little extra. I think the organs and mellotrons in addition to Surkamp's blistering vocals are what achieve this. Bill Bruford also seems to help the music develop throughout the album's material. It's worth noting that the percussion is different from the band's first effort, due to the absence of an unhappy Mike Safron, but luckily drumming mastermind Bill Bruford managed to step onto the scene, giving not exactly a startling boost, but certainly raising the bar. "Standing Here With You" is an incredibly sensitive ballad with some quite wistful melodies and orchestration, but stills has its climaxes as Hamilton's gorgeous piano enters.

"Mersey" is another love-related song, but seems to have quite a smooth yet still heartfelt undertone. When analysed, the song doesn't seem musically breathtaking but when you let it roll over you, it gives you a relaxing breather. There are lots of little articulations that make the song stand out than if you were to just play all the chords (as with a couple of other tracks), again giving that contrast of thoughtful subtleties and the American rock psyche. "Valkerie" is probably my favourite song on this side (I've even written my own piece dedicated to this one). The opening piano chord progression is very lavish and textured but particularly underplayed, which grows into an exquisite Tierce de Picardie by the first verse. I think every instrument is given its moment here - the diaphonic buzzing guitars, the purring saxes, and of course another mesmerising delivery from Surkamp.

"Try To Hang On" used to be my least favourite track (probably what would have brought this down to 4-stars), simply because it was mediocre. Now though, it's just an absolute corker - an excellent opening to Side 2, coming out of this more sonorous collection of delicate compositions. Here though, it really does something else to you. The subject matter is very simplistic but fitting of the uptempo music, there is some of the band's highlights in musicianship, and a masterclass in key changes. I mean, you can't get more prog than changing key in so many inconvenient places, but they manage to pull it off. If you're going to listen to one song of this record right now, let it be this one! "Gold Nuggets" is another typically great Pavlov's Dog song, with a dainty intro that becomes more of an arduous journey that you can so easily engage in.

"She Breaks Like A Morning Sky" is quite similar to "Try To Hang On", and equally impressive. It really motors along and keeps you psyched, with these tight vocal and sax lines that pop up beautifully. The organ licks that seem to just trail off in the verses also add a touch of magic to it, and the lyrics just elevate the piece by the time the chorus ends. Just unbelievable - no longer on the fence of giving this 5-stars. "Early Morning On" has its moments and on the whole just sounds so vast and atmospheric. This hard-hitting emotion seems to be the band's speciality on "At The Sound Of The Bell". There's a lot going on, but it's very tangible and well-structured to give you an opportunity to hear it again, plus a slightly angelic choral mid-section adds some variation.

The album comes to an end after just 33 minutes with a mini-epic, entitled "Did You Seem Him Cry". I think Hamilton shines most of all on this track, especially during the delicious intro, which shifts into quite a neo-prog melodic guitar solo. After the classy grandeur, they take you to an indulgent but still powerful, dare I say "journey"? It's both transcendental and robust, 2 key ingredients of prog, and when mixed just right, they can create a masterpiece. Undeniably a 5-star song, with all sorts of medieval influences going on and a fast-moving heavy rock feel throughout. The last couple of minutes are just orgasmic - I've never heard anything with so many MEANINGFUL time changes that can be pulled off to such an effect (and I've heard a bootleg - they can even play it live!). I reckon they could have milked it a little more, but like the album it's short and sweet. I honestly have no idea how this album could have slipped through "the dark backward abysm of time", a quintessential musical experience! :P

A-: It came a few years too late, and the band were prone to bad luck with the music business, but I'm glad to see they're getting a little notoriety now. There's so many fantastic songs on here, and an almost perfect combination of musicians, I can't not give it 5-stars.

She Came Shining: ***** Standing Here With You: **** Mersey: ***** Valkerie: ***** Try To Hang On: ***** Gold Nuggets: **** She Breaks Like A Morning Sky: ***** Early Morning On: **** Did You See Him Cry: *****