OCEAN 2 - THE ANSWER

I just reviewed the predecessor (Tides) of this album and revealed some of my personal history on this band. So I will not go into that again and concentrate on this bands latest up till now. This album is meant as an answer to their 1977 album about Atlantis.

1. Between future and past. A short instrumental to open with, nothing really special (yet) here. 3*

2. Ro Setau. A song of which the style is somewhere in between Destination and Tides though a bit closer to the latter. I feel the humming part lasts too long but apart from that a good song. Especially thanks to great keyboardwork towards the end. 3,5*

3. Paralyzed Civilization. This is where the classy part begins for my personal liking. This resembles the better compositions of the predecessor. In other words, a great composition. This song is the best example why I love Eloy of the nineties. Again some great keyboard contributions but also the guitar is significant here. 4,5*

4. Serenity. This is actually an interesting song because contrary to most other songs this one is hard to pigeonhole. Some innovating keyboards here, slightly spacy like in the old days. Pity the song's so short. 3,5*

5. Awakening of consciousness. Bit like the 3rd track but not as impressive. Still a very good song. 3,75*

6. Reflections from the spheres beyond. Great epical track, starting spacy and the additional vocals creating a mysterious atmosphere, the song alters in a more normal song with the background choir in a dominant role. After this a great guitar solo followed by synth vocals creating another element and to complete the magnum opus a catchy keyboard riff repeated several times. 4,5*

7. Waves of Intuition. In this track the guitar has something to say as well for a change. Accessible song almost in the Destination style. Good song, 3,5*.

8. The Answer. Second epic, securing the high score for the album. Their ultimate last song the ever produced and obviously they felt it had to be special (although I don't know if they realized it at that point of course). And special it is, another impressive composition with outstanding vocals once more. 4,5 *

I think it's a pity the band seems to have ceased their career definitely now because they showed no signs of decay to me with this latest release. To me this deserves just one score, a solid four stars. I think it's slightly better than Tides return forever and a worthy farewell of a great band.