BEYOND THE STARS

When listening to a new album by a new band, you may expect a certain correspondence between the singer's voice, and the overall sound of the instrumental group. In this particular case, however, we find a rather delicate vocalist (John Hackett) in the context of a band that can get really electric from time to time.

Just listen to the opener to get the picture of what I'm saying: the thing starts with an almost heavy riffage by Nick Fletcher, and then the vocals kick in, wrapped in effects to ensure their presence in the mix. The result is great to my ears, even when it's not "classic", that's to say, there are no epic vocals riding over the band's proceedings. They rather contribute strategic brushes on a pair with the transverse flute, and the electric & acoustic guitars.

The overall sound of the album fluctuates (in a very natural and likable way) from Jazz-Rock/Fusion to Neo-Prog. If you want to taste the instrumental contributions of the flute and some electric guitar soloing, try track 3, A Time In Place. For more traditionally constructed songs, please go to tracks 6 and 8, Mist On The Lake & Sign Of The Times.

An album made with taste and talent by a dedicated group of musicians.