ECHOES FROM WITHIN DRAGON ISLAND

From the first opening notes this starts with the sound of ocean waves, and then we're off in true rocking Karfagen form. These guys (and girls) have NOT gone soft, although there are the softer moments that are built on strong melodies.

The standard of playing is their usual high standard that we all have come to expect from the band. Lovely string section from time to time, and what a change to hear a bassoon in a rock band! There was a band here in UK called Gryphon (I think they reformed recently) that used bassoons and crumhorns and I've liked that reedy woody sound they have since I first heard Vivaldi's Bassoon Concerto.

And then there's Max's guitar, which is played in great harmony with the keyboards. They compliment each other perfectly. Interesting lyrics too; "spider and the fly watching ants marching by" - I love it! The lyrics remind me of a fairytale book I had as a kid. Still got it actually! There is also nice harmony between guitar and flute on My Bed Is A Boat. Amazing musical skills on display here! Dragon Island Suite 3 starts with mellow electric piano, then in comes the guitar accompanied by accordion. They've really "pulled out all the stops" on this album! But the pace picks up and we're rockin' again!

So is this album a masterpiece or a mistake? I'm very happy to say MASTERPIECE. The band have delivered another album of truly amazing Prog, and Antony Kalugin shows once again why he's the best keyboard player Yes never had!