DAWN

Dawn is my first taste of this German band. I wanted to start somewhere in the mid-70s, having read that many consider Ocean to be one of Eloy's best albums. Some have a problem with the vocals on that album, so I decided to check out the previous album instead. Here band leader Frank Bornemann has replaced previous members with all new ones; supposedly this is considered the 'classic' Eloy line up. The production is apparently an improvement from earlier releases. I have no problem with it, sounding like a typical rich mid-70s recording.

The music on this album is a mix of symphonic prog and hard rock. I listened to the CD version which has a slightly different tracklist and song lengths. "Between The Times" has good hard rock riffs mixed with some good strings. Before 4 minutes a spoken word section with a woman talking. "The Dance In Doubt And Fear" is some really good symphonic rock, this segues into... "Lost!? (Introduction)" with a tape speed altered bass drum and some phased synths. Some "ah" harmony vocals. Good bass and drumming in this track. Later the sound of waves and the string section comes in. This is a highlight of the first half of the album.

"Lost?? (The Decision)" is a song you can listen to on PA. Starts with church organ before a cool drumbeat plays. Keyboards, bass and guitar join in. Alternates between atmospheric keys and guitar with bursts of louder, rocking parts. Cool sounding bass here; sounds like a fretless put through a wah-wah pedal. "The Midnight Fight/The Victory Of Mental Force" is a highlight. Great symphonic prog, the band really gels here. Later on the song rips off the descending notes from Floyd's "Echoes"(the same way Andrew Lloyd Webber also will with his Phantom Of The Opera).

"Gliding Into Light And Knowledge" is another symphonic piece which ruins the flow of the second half. "Le Reveil du Soleil/The Dawn" is kind of an anti-climax to the album. I don't think the string section was really neccesary, overdubbed keyboards could have done the same job. I can see where some people have a problem with the vocals, they really are the weakest link in the music. Often compared to Floyd, these guys have much better drumming and bass work. Overall, not a terribly consistent album to me. The compositions are very hit or miss. The sound of the instruments are great and the playing is not too bad at all. I'm not sure how much I would like any of their other albums. This gets a 3.5 but I can't quite bring myself to give it 4 stars.