ILLUSIONS ON A DOUBLE DIMPLE

''Illusions on a Double Dimple is the best ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) album, ELP never did''. A direct quote of myself, which the reason why I state it is to clarify that I don't say it meaning they're ''ELP clones'', actually the contrary, meaning that Triumvirat could really pull out some great music and make something ELP could never do, being consistent on great material, rather than inserting filler. Besides the 3 men line-up similarity and Jürgen Fritz being influenced by Keith Emerson, there's also some very notable differences in each band, in which ELP were bombastic with the Hammond Organ runs and Carl's powerful drumming, and was highly creative/experimental with the Moog, while in the case of Triumvirat, they didn't have those aspects, they had a drumming which stayed in tune more simple, and Jürgen's use of the Hammond and Moog wasn't extravagant and mind-blowing, yet great by its own advantages/means. I should simplify this by saying that Triumvirat is a consistent, less innovative and softer, but still a incredible version of ELP, which these aspects already make Triumvirat a band of itself, rather than being stuck with the ''ELP clone'' label.

Illusions on a Double Dimple is a 2 epic song album, both are divided in 6 parts, which in each case some are more entertaining than others. Still, these parts are connected very well by Moog solos or drumming interludes. Both parts, Illusions on a Double Dimple and Mister Ten Percent, have a very equal use of Hammond and Moog, which I cannot say which is the more Hammond-driven or Moog-driven.

What I can say is that both songs, are divided in 2 half's, the first one in both in general is a bit darker in mood and heavier on the hammond, drums, bass and Moog use, while the second half of both are more melodic, with soft backing vocals use, as well as featuring acoustic guitar, but still with some stunning Moog work as well as for the Hammond.

As I said earlier, each part of the epics are very well crafted and connected which few bands, besides the 70's Giants, could do. An underrated band with an overlooked gem. I recommend this album for anyone looking for some great well-crafted +20 minutes songs with some really fine Hammond and Moog work. Also those who don't like ELP's bombastic sound, then I must tell them not to cross-out Triumvirat from their buy-list, they're much softer and melodic, and yet an incredible Symphonic Prog band, which you might appeal.

4 stars. An excellent addition to your Symphonic Prog collection.

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