A STORY TWO DAYS WIDE

So, the last release ever from Kinesis. Larry Kolota has decided to call it a day and all those in the prog world will miss the releases from this high quality label. He has managed to go out on a real high as well, as this album by Iluvatar definitely lives up to the promised of their superb debut album some years ago. I have been a bit disappointed with the intervening release but with this one they have again struck that rich vein of tunes and musical excellence which will have all progheads up and dancing (or at least nodding appreciatively in time to the music).

It captures all that is good about modern 'neo-prog'. There are some rocky sections, some which sound as if they have been listening to classic Marillion, and others which come totally out of left field. "Better Days" is full of all of these, with some great keyboard sounds, but when it is back to the chorus it is all gentle and light with harmony vocals. Glenn has always had a great voice and here he has the opportunity to show it off. Only one song over ten minutes long ("Indian Rain" is a nearly impressive fifteen), but it is all about quality and not length. There is still plenty of time for interplay, musical jousting and switches of time signature and melody, along with everything else that will keep the proghead amused.

A wonderful album that will be a great addition to the collection of those into progressive rock. I don't know which label will be releasing the next Iluvatar album but on the basis of this album, record companies will be beating a path to their door.