ARC8

Yet another "one-off" returns after a lengthy absence, this one a more traditional neo prog group with the genetic advantage of a romantic slant. That the band remains intact is a wonder, but unfortunately it sounds like may have resurrected the same producer as on their debut "Enjoy". No matter, "Arc8" is far superior if, as before, entirely derivative.

The opener and closer are scattered and entirely FISHILLION-esque but the meat in the middle more than makes up for that. While "The Heartbeat" does point to some of the more endearing aspects of "Misplaced Childhood", they also blend in allusions to more obscure acts like ERIS PLUVIA, AISLES, and CLEPSYDRA, particularly in "Caledonia", the mainspring of the entire album. The sharp accents in the spoken, and come to think of it, many of the sung parts by the Jon Anderson influenced Pierfrancesco Drago, are more endearing than distracting, especially when the subsequent instrumental breaks showcase the newfound comfort with lead guitar and synth bursts. While string substitution is sprinkled throughout this epic, they form the basis for the elegant ballad "Assenze", sung in Italian as it had to be. A couple of hard rock diversions generate mixed results but do represent a diversification of the group's approach that enhances the whole. The stronger of these is "Blood On", with cleverly fitful and frenetic phrasings on old school organ to go with the metallic guitars.

I'm not sure if "Arc8" closes the sparsely populated ARCADELT loop but it surely makes their minor legacy a bit harder to dismiss. Recommended to neo prog Europhiles