SURFACE SERENE

First off, I only purchased this album after I got their latest album "Wanderlust" with an intention to complete the band's album. I have a mixed feeling about the music Little Atlas offers. At one part of me this might not be the kind of music I truly enjoy and I don't have any compelling reason why I feel this way. But music is emotion. If it does not create a stimuli in your mind, then forget about it. That's what I felt also when I got the "Wanderlust" album. The other part of me saying - hey, this is something different! Look at how electric guitar punches its notes and chords throughout the album! You can have a sense of Steve Howe style played in relatively upbeat mode but you get also a sense of Robert Fripp. So it confuses me but it's attractive for me.

I kind like feel also that the band sounds like Rush meets Yes, Kansas and King Crimson - as I did mention on my review of "wanderlust" at this site as well. The band has successfully blended the components of prog classic bands into a cohesive and made the music that is unique Little Atlas.Roy Strattman, the band's guitarist, is a pivotal element to the sounds of Little Atlas.

The song might sound poppy for example "Faceless" which might sound like typical pop song with aggressive guitar fills. "Surface Serene", the title track, is a simple and straightforward song with a excellent chorus. "Can I Find It" is seven and a half minutes epic (?) that has excellent composition. There are catchy keyboard punches as well by band leader Steve Katsikas who also arranges most of the composition. "Changeover" has an excellent percussive arrangement over an Eastern tinged melody which might favor most of you, I think.

Little Atlas is no doubt a band who has a great potential. I have been listening to the band's two albums so far and all of them are excellent. I recommend you to have this CD. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW