THIS GOOD PLACE

American progressive band with christian lyrics. Their sound is quite pleasant and it has that retro feeling I appreciate so much. I was impressed that Ajalon is in fact a trio: they sound like a five piece a least! They are quite good. And their music is that typical 70´s american progressive music: strong, but not overwhelming, influence from british prog giants like Yes, plus lots of other native influences like jazz-rock /fusion, blues and even a hint of pop and country here and there. The result is quite good, but not very outstanding.

Don´t get me wrong: those guys are obviously very skilled and know their trade. Randy George has proved himself a terrific bassist in his work with Neil Morse already and he shines here. The instrumental Abstract Malady is a good exemple of how good the band is technically speaking . I also enjoyed the vintage keys (mostly Hammond organ. They could have added more)Yet I find the general songwriting stuff not very exciting. The lyrics are alright, I suppose: they are not too preachy. The group´s main problem seems to be the rather bland vocals and the weak production. The drums sound for instance sound so thin and in the background that steels much of the songs power.

In the end I found this album to be good, but not much more. The band has a great potential, no doubt, but I guees they´ll have to mature those songwriting skills a little bit more and find a better producer. If you like american prog music of the 70´s you should check this out. It is worthwhile.