MOONSHINE

COLLAGE present an emotional and uplifting album in "Moonshine". I can't get over how much they sound like SATELLITE, of course three of COLLAGE's members started that band up including the vocalist so it's no wonder they sound so much alike. From the keyboard passages to the soaring, melodic guitar, to the emotional well sung vocals, this is Neo-Prog at it's best..This is very polished, with layers of sound, that are simply ear candy. Lots of orchestral-like passages created through the keyboards as well.

"Heroes Cry" is so moving, especially the chorus.There's even some heaviness with guitar after 2 minutes. Some nice instrumental work to end it. Amazing sound 6 minutes in. "In Your Eyes" opens with keyboards as fragile vocals come in. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes. Passionate vocals with guitar a minute later. The tempo and mood shifts continue.The guitar just lights it up 7 minutes in. It's so moving 9 minutes in. Gulp. "Lovely Day" is such a transcending track both instrumentally and the lyrics. Lots of piano in this one. "Living In The Moonlight" is another emotional track with fantastic vocals. Love the guitar before 3 minutes as well.

"The Blues" is uptempo and they really put on an instrumental display here.The mood and tempo changes a lot and themes are eventually repeated in yet another great track. "Wings In The Night" is mellow to open as fragile vocals join in. It starts to build then settles with piano after 3 1/2 minutes. I like when it settles again after 7 minutes and the guitar comes in. "Moonshine" opens with drums as synths join in. A full sound before a minute and then it settles when vocals arrive. As per usual this song really changes a lot. The highlight for me is the final song "War Is Over" which is pure joy as the title would suggest. ANEKDOTEN have a song called "The War Is Over" from their "Gravity" album that is just as uplifting than this one believe it or not. This song is addictive though as the chorus keeps spinning in my head over and over. When I hear this song I just want to celebrate.

A solid 4 stars and my favourite album from all the COLLAGE and SATELLITE albums.