MIRAGE

This is my first taste of Camel (sorry, couldn't let that pun go unused...), and, if I were you and haven't heard it, I would definitely run - not walk - a mile (or more) for this Camel. It is simply an absolute joy to listen to; interesting, creative and fun from the first note to the last. And although the band is listed as "symphonic prog," I would have to agree with my colleague, Jose Gabriel, that this certainly sounds like it sits right smack in the middle of Canterbury territory: much of the composition, approach and playing reminds me strongly of Hatfield and The North, National Health and Caravan, though it is not quite as "complex" and jazz-tinged as the first two, nor as melodic (or "lyric"-al) as the latter. What really surprised me were the other influences I heard: a little bit of Floyd, a little more of Crimson (Wake/Islands period) and, oddest of all, a great deal of The Allman Bros., especially in the jam sections. Indeed, it is quite possible that the two bands were influencing each other at some level. / There is little point in describing each composition individually. Indeed, this is one of those albums for which you don't want to give too much away: for maximum effect on the new listener, it should be listened to without detailed description. Suffice to say that the musicianship is top-notch throughout, and these guys can jam as good as any band I've ever heard. Add to this that it is obvious that the band is having great fun, and you've got a truly wonderful product. A gem.