SUMMER IN TOWN

What a pleasant surprise: a good quality instrumental symphonic rock album released in 1985 in the former USSR; a treat if you like your rock with classical music influences and synth. Others have mentioned "chamber instrumental ensemble", and indeed this is very much the impression I get listening to this band. I'm guessing that the band members studied classical music formally.

'Snowballs' is very reminiscent of YES and, to me, of a snowscape with snowflakes falling and a sleigh speeding through it. It's a jolly track and very classical sounding. 'Chaconne' also reminds me of YES, albeit less than 'Snowballs' does. It is a slower piece, still pleasing, building slowly and darkly; then a lighter guitar melodiously comes in as if the sun has broken through the clouds, backed with a repetitive keyboard and bass line which is, after all, what a chaconne is. 'Summer In Town' does not remind me much of YES but there is the odd reminder of ELP, probably due to the various synth parts, sometimes sounding very fat (I just love the sound of reverberating analogue synth!). Part of the track plods along like a great dancing bear. Unlike the other two tracks, 'Summer In Town' has a very insipid ending though. Although I've mentioned YES a few times above, the band is not a YES imitator: they have their own sound.

This is yet another review where I'm torn between awarding 3 or 4 stars to an album. It's not a masterpiece, but is enjoyable to listen to and, judging by the brief vocalisations in the last track, the band enjoyed making it. In my opinion it's definitely worth having if you've got it, but I'm not sure I could categorically say "go out and buy it" if you don't. Nevertheless, if you like long, instrumental, classical-influenced symphonic Prog then you probably wouldn't be disappointed if you did buy it. If 3.5 stars were possible I'd go for that, but will plump for 3 (Good, but non-essential).