JUST LIKE MASTER BATES

This album absorbed a whole 70's decade: it combines gentle naive harmonies from pop songs of the late 60's/early 70's, that are present also in early prog rock, and electronic spacey tunes from the mid/late 70's with powerful modern pop beats. Wherein the sound of the band cannot be attributed to some well-known group, all this extraordinary mixture permeated by violin, which brings tension or dramatic effect, and it makes him truly unique.

Opening track shows in front of us the late 70's band. Here we can hear sound effects from those years, quite danceable rhythm which wafts thoughts of disco. But with time comes understanding that this is not as simple music as it seems at first glance. Tempo/melody changes, rhythm section can disappear and a pause may occur. The vocals in places reminds Sparks, but more pleasant and sincere. The already mentioned violin also appears on this composition - gorgeous and really catchy sound.

"Long Gone Song" - in the same spirit. Energetic rhythm and interesting melody. Also the composition structure is not plain. Beauty and delicate ending take the listener to the prog sound - nice intertwined.

"Storyteller" has a very catchy main theme, played on some electronic keyboards. However, it looks more like a mid 70's prog, without references to modern disco sound.

"Those Lying Eyes" is naive and kind, quite simple, but this is what bribes - sincere and warm straight from the early 70s. Really radio hit.

And after him you want something more complicated, hearing only great pop songs is boring. And how perfectly the 9-minute prog track "Kismet/Hour Glass/Not That Far To Go" fits in here. First half is on a space theme with modern effects of that time. Quite interesting, serious, plot-structure composition goes into a cheerful ending which reminds early Yes (about 7:30).

After that a very suitable composition - "Come The Day" starts. Calm, quiet, no drums - acoustic guitar with violin and a bit of electronic effects. When moving towards the end the sound expressively getting louder, the rhythm section is joining. Little masterpiece!

Next "Dance Of The Emmets" is an instrumental story in late 70-s style, similar to French band Space, but with acoustic drums. Tense sound make this track really interesting to listen to, imagination can played out. And in the end of the album we have a simple ballad, quite pleasant too.

I have listened to this album not once and every time there is something that may surprise me again. It is a very interesting mixture of different genres. The listener's interest is well worked out by the order (and of course the content) of the compositions. Invigorating pop rhythms are combined with beautiful samples of 70s prog music and all this with not so many times repetitive and very memorable choruses and melodies. Music for a sophisticated listener who, with careful listening, will be very pleased and will not get bored. For those who love the classic symphonic prog of the 70s, pop songs from the Beatles times and do not resist to the pop/disco at the turn of the 70-80s.

4,5/5 stars!