FLY HIGH FALL FAR

Contempory of Marillion and IQ, Pendragon distills a more poppish, easy and accessible music. Pendragon will need some time to establish their style. This EP was released before the line-up really stabilized.

Music here is pleasant but not sophisticated. What we'll get here are four good songs. Nothing less, nothing more. Barrett's unique tone is still hesitant, far from what he will be. His guitar play is not yet as symphonic and passionate as it will be.

This EP lacks in emotional moments, but do not worry : Pendragon will get you there.

The title track of this EP is a poppy and stright-forward song. Not a great track, but it has all the elments fo Pendragon with more keys than usual maybe. "Dark Summer's Day" is very romantic. Very subtle backing keys but childish chorus. I guess that detractors will call this a useless song. I just want to mention to them, that it does not hurt to produce just beautiful songs... I quite like it, obviously.

The most achieved song here is "Victims Of Life". It will be featured on their debut album as a bonus track on the remastered version. A very nice instrumental part opens this song : it is imposing, well performed and catchy. The so typical guitar play of Rothery (you know, these special intros of closings) is very much present here. The beautiful and so passionate voice from Barret is perfect here. It is by far the best number on this EP. Fully symphonic and just beautiful as Pendragon can sound.

I really like this band. Although it is categorized in the neo-prog genre, IMO it has more to do with the symph-prog one. I have had the chance to see them live and it was really an EMOTIONAL and exceptional moment (thanks again Francis for organizing this great concert at the Spirit Of 66 last year).

Very good intro again for "Excalibur" which is an intrumental piece. It sounds pretty much like Genesis but with less grandeur (Camel as well is not far away). A nice number.

To rate this short work is rather difficult. It is of course not a must own (even for Pendragon fan since half of it will be featured on their debut album "The Jewel". Three stars.