SAD CYPRESS

'Sad Cypress' provides songs in a symphonic/neo prog vein ... technically rather prolific and the same applies to the compositional aspect by the way. Although they are partially peering hard at bands like Genesis, Camel, Eloy or the early Marillion this is quite original overall. Okay, a bunch of bands with a similar stylistical attitude existed at that time. So does this really arouse a great deal of interest? The line-up does at any rate. Here we have Ulrich Sommerlatte aboard, born 1914 (and gone in 2002). Originally being a trained music composer with the focus on popular and classical arrangements he started to experiment with prog and electronic music at the age of 65! Astonishing, however apparently not too late.

So consequently he founded the band IVORY three years later together with his son Thomas and was responsible for the compositions.on top of it. Respect! When I started to listen some associations came up immediately ... Steve Hackett adopted guitars, vocals are getting close to Peter Gabriel as well as Fish here and there. The skimped opener At This Very Moment sums this all up. But the smell of rehash dissolves over the course of time. There is a focus on a dreamy atmosphere, Eloy's Ocean flavour shimmers through all over. Less powerful rocking impressions, surely due to Ulrich Sommerlatte's longtime experiences in other territories. In Hora Ultima shows some vocals in Latin.

The tricky title track with lively drums and synths and the 14 minute epic My Brother are the most challenging tracks in my opinion. The original vinyl had been released on a German Schlager label by the way, later digitally re-issued by Musea amongst others, enhanced with four bonus tracks recorded between 1983 and 1987. They are following in their steps here, with a stronger classical touch though. And the keyboard work is less vintage flavoured, more infiltrated with modern electronical elements.

Overall this album is a nice, more relaxed workout by IVORY, which was situated in Munich by the way - unique but also showing some distinct references, entertaining in any case. Christian Meyer's vocals are pleasant ... and so typical due to this slight German accent. Guitars are rarely placed, so much the more 'Sad Cypress' is spiked with excellent lush keyboard/synth work, provided by father and son Sommerlatte. Who is keen on that will be well served by an overlap in the vein of those aforementioned bands. 3.5 stars