FLOWER IN ASPHALT

I find it hard to sit through entire all-instrumental albums, even one as good as this. Without vocals, the songs suffer from sounding too similar.... and the band's playing is so subtle and reserved that nothing ever jumps out at you, and even the best bits can struggle to hold your attention for very long.

After opening with two breathtaking songs, Flower in Asphalt slips dully into the periphery.

'Skylight' and 'Glockenrock' are full of lovely Camelish guitar solos, synths, and flute. This band resembles Camel almost too much at times on this album, but their songwriting is so good that you forgive them. The atmosphere is very calm and soothing... this is great music to unwind to at the end of a long day.

After the very memorable and beautifully melodic Glockenrock, the next two songs are utter bores that never really go anywhere. The album is salvaged by 'Entrée', which features a mesmerizing melancholic flute melody that reminds me of the great band 'Asia Minor'.

'Dancing Leaves' is another very good, melodic, rainy-day song... the synth player's performance (and sound) is very reminiscent of Camel's Pete Bardens here.

Overall: this is quite good, but not very original. This is excellent background music... and nothing very engaging. Recommended to devout Camel fans.