MOONMADNESS

With so many good albums it's hard to tell which Camel album actually is my favourite, but this one surely belongs to the list of great Camel recordings. From the first synth cords and flute melodies on Aristilus this album catches my imagination, with beautifull melodies, great atmosphere, fabulous solo's from all instruments (vocals aside, which are adequate, but never was the strong side of Camel).

Aristilus (1:59) Great short opening, can't get enough of this song really, great flute and synthesiser on a heavy symphonic electronic bass, two minutes of pure bliss. After that the album takes a more soft tranquille aproach with Song Within a Song (6:48) slow mediative synth melody, and sad slow vocals, always reminds me of The Moody Blues, like the title suggests a little change occurs midway, where the guitar leads us to the song within the song and the tempo increases for a nice synth solo. Chord Change (7:18) continous on the faster tempo the previous song ended with, again a great instrumental as only Camel can produce. Spirit of the Water (2:09) Yet another beautifull soft ballad, great flute melody bridging the slow piano parts, vocals are really smooth and rather beautifull.

With Another Night (7:00) the album comes more rocking, and this is why I love the band so much, fabulous drums and bass interplay, numerous changes without losing focus on the song. Wish it would last forever, but the next song in line is waiting to make it's introduction to the speakers. Air Born (5:04) A slow and steady melodic ambient song. The album closes with the stellar Lunar Sea (9:14) Like the opening of the album was a great intro to the album, this is a fitting ending. With great guitar works on a solid rock bottom. Fast and furious mid section. Just great.

On the whole this is a beautifull album, with great instrumental passages, especially the flute and keyboards shine through the mix, the vocals are very much ok and the guitar is at moments very good to. For fans of melodic symphonic rock music this is a very worthy addition to your collection. A masterpiece it isn't totally, so I'll leave it at 4 stars, but maybe I'm to harsh on this band.

Listen yourself