ATLANTIS

LA-based US Prog band coming from the 90's and formed around keyboardist Teknobudd (aka Jorge Vasquez) and bassist/singer Ken Jaquess.Apparently they started as a trio with Matthew Hedrick behind the drum kit and Jaquess handing also the guitars on their eponymous debut, which was independently released in 1997.

They described their sound as modern Symphonic Rock and that's what's exactly going on listening to their first offering, which is pretty complex at moments, visiting the stylings of compatriots MAGELLAN, CAIRO and SPOCK'S BEARD and looking back to the 70's and the epic sound of YES, the E.L.P. grandieur and the pompous orchestrations of GENESIS.But there are no analog keyboards in here and they sound quite modern to a disturbing point at times, because some programmed instrumental parts are pretty weak and plastic.Fortunately the level of the compositions is pretty high with constant changes and extended instrumental parts with big symphonic textures and melodic overtones.Most of the tracks are quite long with CHRIS SQUIRE bass lines and keyboard parts with both flashy and dramatic edges, somewhere between E.L.P. and MARILLION.The atmosphere ranges from bombastic and complex to mellow and dreamy, where sporadic acoustic guitars are thrown in next to an omnipresent keyboard forefront and background.Vocals are pretty laid-back and of questionable range with Jaquess singing in low pitches.But the focus is usually on the music, which is very convincing despite the recording mediocrity.

Solid album, downgraded by the mass of digital instrumentation.Very symphonic at times, full of interesting melodies and instrumental efficiency, but not quite recommended for fans of natural instruments.To my ears it is pretty good and a decent purchase for lovers of the Neo/Symphonic Prog genre.