A STORY TWO DAYS WIDE

Though I'm not a huge NEO-Prog fan, I was curious to hear what Iluvator sounds like. I think I read something about them, maybe a link from some other band, I don't remember. I did order this disc, as well as "Children" on the hope that it would click for me. "A Story Two Days Wide" is a pleasant experience. Not ground-breaking, (what neo-prog is groundbreaking?) but enjoyable.

The band takes 70's era Genesis and attempts to re-write the themes, without Marillion's over-the-top melodrama. Sojourns is a catchy opening. They carry a nice melody line with enough keyboard and guitar embellishments to create a friendly aural experience. Iluvator doesn't shriek or pound the senses.

Savant is another catchy tune. It can get locked into your memory with it's ascending guitar riff. Dreaming with the Lights On reminds me of something from Styx. I can't put my finger on it. Lots of creamy Hammond and hook filled vocals, Gabriel/Collins/Fish like. Holidays and Miracles is more of the same mixture of Genesis, Marillion, Pendragon and IQ. Better Days takes a harder MOR edge that Marillion's Fish era was so good at. The soft ballad, Even Angels Fall, sets up the final "epic," Indian Rain."

This is a "nice" album. Not essential, not groundbreaking... nothing new. Just a good collection of quality songs, strong musicianship, good lyrics (nothing cringe-worthy), loads of melody and a seemless soothing sound. For fans of Marillion, Genesis, Pendragon, IQ, Mind Sky and other NEO-Prog bands.