ARDOUR

Take a big spoonful of Yes, a big splash of Jethro Tull, a modicum of Gabriel-era Genesis and lots of Deep Purple and you may get an idea of what this 70s era prog band from Indiana is about... From the earliest strains of "Intrepid Traveller", you can hear their influences throughout the album. Half the fun of listening to this hodgepodge of styles is recognizing that particular part or this as influenced by whomever... Some would say this work is a lame attempt at prog rock, but I say it's more like a testament to the love these musicians have for the genre. I especially enjoyed the sci-fi theme of "Space Brothers", which melds hippie love with ultimate sci-fi Truth. "Everyman" is a typical cautionary tale, reminding us that sometimes the most important member of the community could be the least expected. "Atlanteans" brings us to a feel-good environmentally-friendly ballad, while "The Spirit of Music" laments the death of the past. I felt that "Long Dancer" was an attempt at early New Age-ness, while "Dimension Man" poses a Twilight-Zone-like problem. Wrap it all up with another feel-good environmental song to ease you out of the mix. The first thing that attracted me to the album was the imaginative pastel cover art (which impressed me so much I recreated it with colored pens and framed it... Still on a wall in my home to this very day)... I was intrigued enough to buy it and take it home. First time on my turntable, I was bowled over! I played it again and again, just so I could be sure I heard what I thought I heard. To make a long story short... A nice novelty to keep in your collection of obscure albums, to play when you're feeling nostalgic for some good old fashioned prog rock American style. Four stars!