NOUVEAU CALLS

To write a review of average album from group that I like very, very much, the group that has one extraordinary five star album, 1972 "Argus", is not a pleasant job, but is necessary to evaluate it's real value. One important thing about it is that is recorded by most successful, legendary first and best lineup, more than ten years since they recorded their last album together, which is good, while the other is that album is completely instrumental, which is surprising and a little bit strange. And instead of letting guitars "blowin' free", all songs are restricted below five minutes, most of them with inappropriate keyboard sound and schematic drumming. It seemed that lineup that recorded epics such "Phoenix", "Time Was", "King Will Come" and many other beautiful songs tied up themselves a hands, and the result is significantly under their real possibilities.

There are a few good tracks, that will pleased Wishbone Ash loyal fans, come rain or come shine. For example "Clousseau" (with catchy bass riff, fine guitars playing, melodic drumming and tempo changing), and three typical Ash tracks, composed by tireless Andy Powell, who still waves the Ash flag, "The Spirit Flies Free", "A Rose Is a Rose" and, from that time on, concert standard "The Real Guitars Have Wings" (guess whose).

People who already know Ash, don't need advice. But others who want to feel and hear real Ash, have to listen to their first five studio recordings. This one is stuck somewhere between second and third star rate mark, with significance on third, but with overall impression on second.