SYMPHINITY

Windchase is pretty much Sebastian Hardie with a new rhythm section. They released Symphinity when prog was declining in success, and so were trying to keep it alive with this album. Retaining prog cliches and obvious influences from prog giants, the band came up with something not great but good.

Forward We Ride is a piano piece that leads on to the next song, Horsemen to Symphinity. It's well written and a good opener.

Horsemen to Symphinity is a mini-epic which drives along nicely with great rhythm and guitar playing. It feels a little lengthy though and the main guitar solo isn't very impressive. Not too bad.

Glad To Be Alive is a bit corny but I actually don't mind it. I have grown to enjoy it and like it more than most of the other songs. It has a good structure and remains interesting throughout. It may take a few listens to enjoy though.

Gypsy is an instrumental a bit like Sebastian Hardie song Rosanna, where Mario Millo does melodic soloing throughout. It's ok but I can't help but feel that it's a bit reminiscent of the verses in Echoes by Pink Floyd. I don't mind if the band steals somebody's sound, but if they use the same chord change it puts me off just a little. This song doesn't do much for me.

No Scruples is a psychedelic, upbeat song and I like it. The keyboards are strong and the vocals are strange. Although, I think the keyboard solo is a bit too lengthy and the song starts to break down a little. But it's still enjoyable.

Lamb's Fry is actually one of the songs I find slightly hard to enjoy. It feels like a long jam with no real depth. It's interesting and enjoyable but a little lengthy and doesn't do much for me. Makes good background music though, for when I'm not really concentrating.

Non Siamo Perfetti is basically a couple of Sebastian Hardie songs put into a short acoustic guitar piece. Recognizing this made me like it even more. It makes a good interlude.

Flight Call is probably the weakest of all the songs here. It's simple, laid back and nothing special.

Also, the artwork is a nice change from the Sebastian Hardie covers.

So overall it's a fairly decent album that grows on you over time. If you like Sebastian Hardie or Mario Millo, you'll enjoy this. 3.5 stars

(The version I reviewed doesn't have the live version of Horsemen on it.)