ONE NITER

Austria is not the most prolific progrock country but it has delivered some very nice bands/artists, like Gandalf, Indigo, Kyrie Eleison and of course the known Eela Craig. Between 1971 and 1988 Eela Craig made six studio-albums, I consider this reissue as their highlight.

The album starts with the long and alternating composition Circles (15 minutes, 3 parts). After a majestic Mellotron intro a dreamy climate follows with soaring keyboards and pleasant work on the flute. Then a compelling rhythm with Mellotron brass, culminating in a swinging part with beautiful interplay between clavinet, string-ensemble and electric guitar. Next an interlude with wonderful vocals and tender Fender electric piano, a fiery and moving guitar solo, blended with organ and drums. Finally an accellaration featuring fiery electric guitar, Mellotron brass and fluent drums, what a great start!

Loner's Rhyme alternates between dreamy and a compelling rhythm, again with Mellotron brass. Along howling guitar runs, a splendid duel between the synthesizer and clavinet. Then an exciting part with swinging clavinet (an Eela Craig trademark, along the Mellotron brass sound), sparkling Hammond organ and propulsive conga percussion. This culminates in a final part featuring moving guitar, supported by the warm string-ensemble sound.

The long and instrumental One Niter Medley is a 'wet dream for vintage keyboards aficionados' (Mellotron, harpsichord, string-ensemble, Minimoog and Grand piano), remarkable is the huge variety, from classical violins in a swinging rhythm to a combination of symphonic rock and funk, unique!

The short and cheerful Venezuela contains a fine blend of acoustic guitar, flute, vocals and Congas.

Finally the strong Way Down that sounds like a captivating blend of symphonic rock, funk and rock, embellished with a lush vintage keyboard sound and powerful electric guitar. Halfway a wonderful part with the string-ensemble, in combination with warm vocals and piano. In the end an exciting grand finale featuring Mellotron brass, piano and compelling work on the drums, goose bumps!

What a wonderful album by this excellent, pretty overlooked Austrian progrock formation: sounding very melodic and harmonic with wonderful vocals, a lush vintage keyboard sound and lots of interesting musical ideas.