STARS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

US was founded in 1975 being more of a cover band with symphonic rock as their chosen musical territory, covers of STEELY DAN, EAGLES, Peter FRAMPTON and the MOODY BLUES. They lived in an early life as the SAGA band keeping alive until 1983, which I got to know while researching the Canadian SAGA that I cherish. In another life, they are also US again reinjected this since 1998 and without being obliged to choose the pill to swallow; refueled with progressive GENESIS sounds worked in Paul's garage and not Nemo. This is their 13th studio album.

"Stars in Broad Daylight" based on ALAN PARSONS then quickly GENESIS, the 70s with keyboards including the Hammond B3 and the Moog. A symphonic title with a sluggish cartoon soundtrack where it blows up everywhere. The finale on a melody where the influence recalls YES; a title that oozes, which overflows with various and varied keyboards struck by a master's hand and a theme on the meaning that one can give to one's life. "Carousel" debut on the GENESIS "Watcher of the Skies" shorter track of 12 minutes; acoustic break to rest the ears, a crystalline BANKS keyboard, to propel an aerial guitar solo with finesse; the text about the personal tragedy of losing a life companion. "Song for Koen" for the great digression with Genesis keyboards as if it rained from the days of 'Foxtrot', a feminized voice with Marijke and it advances on an influence straight out of the 70's and the bass of SQUIRE; a synth à la ELP arises on this long crescendo. A change of rhythm in the last third starts on a more serene declination where the drums come forward by shelling out melancholy notes helped in this by a moving solo; Dantesque rhythmic and symphonic uphill finale far removed from the neo-prog label in my opinion, it's moving and worth its weight in gold. 50 minutes spent like a letter in the post.

US shows they know how to play, that's for sure. US shows that they sweat bloodily to release this simple and effective album, made in a studio aptly nicknamed "The B'SUS" for Blood Sweat and US, CQFD. A very good second- rate album for prog fanatics who rage around the world in search of the pearl not yet heard. Fruity, playful, bucolic progressive and symphonic rock leading to reverie and spleen.