EVER AFTER

Amazing instrumental progressive work from this israeli band. I´ve been hearing this CD for a few days almost non stop and I can say it´s one of the most interesting things I´ve found lately. I read the story of the band here on PA and it spurred my curiosity imediatly. Specially the part that says they were a Camel cover group for some time (for further information about their history see Avestin´s detailed review). Since Camel is one of my favorite bands ever, I was naturally drawn to this group. However, if you´re expecting to find a Camel copycat you´ll be disappointed. Sanhedrin does have some hints of that british prog band in some parts of their sound, but although the band is yet to have a distinctive sound, they also avoided to sound too much like anyone else.

In fact, some parts do remind more of classic Pink Floyd than Camel, with several Gilmour-like guitar leads and Richard Wright-ish organ runs. Flutist Shem-Tov Levi (who seems to be a very popular musician in his country, although I had never heard of him before) adds a lot of Jethro Tull ambiences too. I can identify even a little of the famous Eloy signature lines on a few occasions. So the band has a lot of good influences, but I can assure anyone who´s interested that their songwriting is very strong: all of the 8 tracks recorded for Ever After are at least very good, with more than a few excellent moments poping out throughout the CD. The ones I like the most are the most melodic ones like the opener Overture and on Il Tredici. There are heavier parts too, that echoed a bit like John Wetton era King Crimson, but those are less succesful. Production is crystaline, one of the best I´ve heard in an instrumental group.

In all I found this CD to be very enjoyable and refreshing. I needed a few spins to really get it, but boy, when it does is it good!! I really hope those guys keep delivering this kind of music in the near future, for this one is more than just a promise. It´s a fine addiction to any prog lover collection. If you like the aforementioned influences, go for it! Highly recommended!!!