PEPPER'S GHOST

This is the album with which I have discovered Arena (yes, I know... what a shame!!!) and, being totally green (unbiased by their earlier outings), I found myself really enjoying this one. Hooks and catchy melodies are abound on this album. The songwriting is excellent as is the musicianship (although I find Mick Pointer could be a bit more creative, but he gets the job done, and well). I was impressed with John Mitchell's guitar playing (he might as well be the present day David Gilmour in my opinion) and with Clive Nolan's skills, not only for his playing and songwriting, but also for his choice of sounds. My favorites on this album are Bedlam Fayre, The Shattered Room and, my #1 favorite has to be Smoke and Mirrors, in which I find everything to be in it's rightful place (and probably one of Arena's most catchy choruses). I bought most of their albums after discovering this one, and even then it stood it's ground. Note in the album credits that one of Threshold's guitarists is responsible for the mixing (I think, I don't have the album with me as I write), and the mix is excellent (though more heavy than any of their previous releases, which is fine by me !!!).

Definitely an excellent addition to any prog music collection.