LA LEYLA

At the time of release, I was rather eager to discover what was called in Belgium (and maybe in other countries as well) "Eurock". In those remote days, there was a fanzine in Belgium called "More" co-founded by Piero (one of the best-known rock critics over here). I remember that they once published an overview of the Eurock production and that's how I discovered a review of this album. And there I go on my way to Metrophone (the best record store in Brussels - Belgium? -at that time to find special releases at a discount price).

I have listened to this album an awful lot of times. It features extremely melodic songs with lush keyboards and aerial vocals. Fully symphonic even is a song like "Devil Inside" sounds more aggressive.

The next two songs of this album are my favourites ones. They are such a great condensed version of the music I like (well part of the music I like, actually). Sweet and peaceful vocals (almost good ones, which is to be mentioned for a mid-seventies German band), strong keys domination and a performant bass and drum play plus a very special guitar sound. Extremely personal. Actually I have never heard such a sound so far.

The first side of this album is really great. The second one will be a bit weaker but really it would have been difficult to do better. But don't expect complex and excentric music of course.

Ramses just displays simple structured music although "War" sounds like a protest song (mostly against the Vietnam war). It sounds much harder as well. Heavy keys a la Hensley (Uriah Heep FYI). Some synthetic "war" sounds (a la Butterfield Blues Band " during "Love March" at Woodstock) are featured during a savage instrumental break. The end of the song is fully optimistic since the war has turned into peace. Maybe a bit childish, unfortunately.

"Someone Like You" is probably one of the most symphonic of the whole. A spacey intro and a sublime guitar play when the song really starts. Some might find this a bit too much melancholic but I just love it. There is of course a good dosis of nostalgia in my words. But that's the way it is.

The closing number is more rocking. It reminds me furiously "The Knife" during the first part. Keys, drumming : very similar. This album is such a great trip back to the mid seventies (my youth) ! Still, it does not sound too old fashioned (well, maybe just a bit to be honest). I has been re-released in the form of a double CD in one package that includes Ramses's second album as well. I can only recommend it to you if you like gorgeous symphonic music. This album was sold at 20,000 copies.

I have not the faintest idea why this band falls under "Art Rock". Another PA mystery I guess.

Four stars.

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