WASSAIL

Just a small teaser from this fantastic modern symphonic band. Wassail proves once again that those Englishmen are in great shape both as a performing band and, specially, as songwriters. There is just three new songs plus a live version of Master James of St George, but what they produced here in just 25 minutes is once again - quality wise, of course - much more than what I´ve heard in 80 minutes CDs from most of other prog acts lately. Their combination of memorable melodies, complex arrangements and emotional delivering reminds me of a time when symphonic prog also meant great songs. Although hardly a retro band, BBT does own a great deal to the masters of the 70´s.

All tracks are great, but my favorite is surely Lost Rivers of London, a fine composition that has all the elements I like in this genre (elaborated arrangement, inspired solos, mood and tempo changes and a poignant melody line) all wrapped up in just 6 minutes (sometimes less is more)! I´m really looking forward to listen to their next full CD. The recording quality is top notch - even the live track is so well played it´s hard to notice that is not a studio version.

If you don´t know this band, this is a good starting point. If you do, then it is another great addition to your collection. Highly recommended!