THE EARTH YEARS

Magic Bus has come a long way since its inception. The rhythm section (bass / drums) which tinkered with the first two albums was replaced from the "Philipp The Egg" album by a line that holds up. The result matures and goes wonderfully with keyboard, guitar and Paul Evans' delicate vocals. On "The Earth Years", Caravan's paternity is still present but as on the previous album, the influence of David Allen's Gong colors the songs. The pieces alternate between pastoral ballad à la Caravan (Setting Sun / We Are One), psychedelic parts (New Day), burlesque à la Gong (Easy Om, The Road To mesquita), or more adventurous (Bareley Corn). Note that contrary to what is announced in the line-up above, flutist Viv Goodwin Drake has left the formation. This absence is very regrettable, it added a touch of freshness to the whole and would have reinforced the album which does not reach the four *. In the end, an honest 3.5 * and an album recommended to fans of accessible Canterbury.