X

"X" is the most mature albun from Spock´s Beard until the moment. While "Snow" got a strong influence from Genesis, "X" bring to us a more expressive and personal sound. The highlights are "From the Darkness", and the beautiful "Jaws of Heaven".

The keyboards are amazing, darker than the others band´s works, Ryo is a very good player, indeed. In moments, he is responsable for astonishing themes and transitions, some of them are epic.

We´ve here a good Symphonic Prog album, with elements of the Golden Age of the style, includind a a Squire bass-like (some moments), and incredible vocal harmonies. Probably the weaker element is the guitar, but it isn´t bad, anyway.

The music is a quite ample, passing by obscure themes, calm harmonies, and very cool riifs too. Some influences that can be realized are Genesis, Gentle Giant, Yes, a little of Pink Floyd, and Focus (check some organ-guitar interplays).

Really solid melodies, nice themes, and great harmonies, some of them a bit complex. Very intersting album, the best, I think. Four stars.