A BLUEPRINT OF THE WORLD

How could I forget to review ENCHANT's 1st album, which I often cite as a real musical UFO?

In short, a short summary of this avant-garde album at the time remixed in 2002, 2007 and 2014 with 'The Thirst' with its thunderous sound and Ted's wonderful voice, which is reminiscent of the still young RUSH and Douglas's solo on a fatty and fruity style at the same time. 'Catharsis' with a spleen arpeggio which also gives the guiding line of the album, some bluesy notes and a prog declination on percussion and dark melody. 'Oasis' for one of the 2 master pieces, stereo from the start to check the calibration; it goes fast, high and well; moment when the progression wants to be limpid and shimmering; note the twirling guitar and synth. 'Acquaintance' for the melodic title, ballad where Paul's hit infuses the rhythm, latent atmosphere with a plaintive guitar which unrolls and warms the listener. 'Mae Dae' for one of the most beautiful instrumentals of the decade, a title which I cannot remain indifferent to; prog, latent, vibrating with this crescendo; a beautiful bucolic serenade. 'At Death's Door' which took me a while to tame; an evolving air which rises, which rises entangled with a plaintive guitar on one side, aerial on the other; the Rushian imprint at its firmament here with a final Rotheryan solo. 'East of Eden' tumbles for the agreed title, it's the rhythmic and the hushed atmosphere on a precise and jerky percussion which sets the fire with a jovial break reminding at the synth level what COLLAGE did so well. 'Nighttime Sky' 2nd great title and this little extra with the melodic tune that comes back like a wave on the edge of the beach; the symphonic side with the warm keyboards and Ted make it a must; there is prog digression every moment. Almost 'inchronicable', good Steve HOWE arpeggio is worth its weight in gold before a tortured high-flying solo. 'Enchanted' for the least good title... well, it's for fun, listen to the slow but inexorable rise, the fat guitar break and the flowing notes, another pearl and Paul who plays the drums. Last piano break everything goes wonderfully; an observation this title makes you forget time. 'Open Eyes' for the last title, one too many? , the one that looks more like RUSH than ENCHANT in my opinion, but maybe it wears out after 70 minutes? Maybe also after so many major titles, my ears were asking for even more?

In short, a necessary chronicle to remind us that 30 years ago magnificent albums were released and that today's sound must innovate to reach its perfection. To return to ENCHANT, I remember my first listen, when I got up to restart this CD, yes no replay, no remote control yet at the time. Immense.