GRATUITOUS FLASH

From the huge amount of bands participating in the rebirth of UK prog rock in early-80's,ABEL GANZ can place themselves among the best ones.Formed in 1980 in Glascow,Scotland under the forces of bassist Hugh Carter and keyboardist Hew Montgomery,they started playing live around Glascow,having Malky McNiven on guitars and Kenny Weir on drums.The growing fame brought singer Alan Reed on the band,a bit later to be found on PALLAS' line-up.The quintet recorded their debut ''Gratuitous flash'' in 1983,originally released on cassette in 1984.

The 70's feeling of GENESIS blended with the new digital technology is the main characteristic of this album.Most of the compositions have an evident symphonic approach,not far from what IQ were creating around the same time.McNiven's style includes lots of STEVE HACKETT-inspired guitar hooks mixed with some intricate melodies in the typical British prog style of the 80's.Montgomery is fabulous on keys,delivering beatiful soundscapes both on piano and synthesizers,a definite heaven for a symph fan's ear.Of course,a couple of short tracks follow the familiar way of accesible,easy-listening prog rock based on nice grooves and pleasant melodies,but that's only the exception.The symphonicism haunts most of this album' running time,strengthened by Alan Reed superb vocal work,close to the color of PETER GABRIEL's voice.Excellent album with a plenty of challenging/well-crafted moments,which deserves to be added in your collection.Highly recommended!