FOUNTAINS OF LIGHT

Most prog fans enter into Starcastle from the Yes angle, usually after having read or heard about this "clone band" and how they are an "interesting listen" due to their copy-cat nature. With these kinds of preconceptions in tow, it's no big surprise that they are typically passed over lightly when not openly mocked and dismissed. I think it's the vocal element that most people find derivative, because in no way do Starcastle ever approach cloning Yes instrumentally, especially after their first album. And about that vocal element -- wow! This album is packed with some of the most gorgeous vocal harmonies in all of my bookshelves of CDs. I'm a sucker for transcendent harmonies, and let me tell you, this is what Starcastle is all about. If you like multi-layered, shimmering, laser-beam harmony arrangements... give these guys a try, and make sure to suppress your doubt until you at least get to the parts I'm talking about. As for me, I'm long past convinced.