GHOST DANCE

When you throw this disc on you'll be whisked back to the mid-80's when bands like Marillion, Pallas, Pendragon and IQ ruled the prog airwaves. In terms of status, Citizen Cain were a second tier neo band at best. Their punk attitude with frantic herky-jerky pacing ala Squeeze and psuedo-Fish mixed with Pendragon's Barrett vocalizing make most of the songs sound disorienting. On this disc of their early material, Marillion and Pallas are their template, which isn't a bad thing, it's just that there's isn't any memorable melody to latch onto. The only song that I can praise is "Tabernacle Of Hands" with a very good melody and a chorus that sticks around awhile, yet towards the end they return to some chaotic instrumentals killing the mood. I'd like to hear their later albums which from the reviews I've read come out as more favorable with a leaning more towards classic Genesis. The sound here is young and green with some talent but unpolished. This album is geared more towards fans of the band who would only want it to round out their collection. So 2 stars it is.