MK II

Steamhammer's second album shows great evolution: their first album was rooted exclusively in blues. This album is more jazzy than the first, thanks to the addition of saxophonist/flutist Steve Joliffe. Mr. Hugues Chantraine got it right: prog-rock fans will probably enjoy this album and will find it more interesting than "Reflections" or "Mountains"; the compositions are more inventive, arrangements are more immaginative and the overall performance of the band is better. Highlights: "Supposed to be Free", "Contemporary Chick Con Song" (both are still bluesy, but more ambitious than other efforts), the short "Sunset Chase" (a beautiful acoustic guitar solo which reminds me Leslie West), "6/8 for Amiran" (with this unusual tempo structure), "Passing Through" (with his fake ending) and the wonderful "Another Travelling Tune". Highly recommended for anybody who ever thought how a prog-blues album would sound.