AS GOOD AS GOLD

Exactly as they did with ''The window of life'' album, Pendragon decided to follow the release of ''The masquerade overture'' with a short EP.While the band was hitting the road for promoting the new album in the fall of 96', the 4-track ''As good as gold'' was launched on Pendragon's Toff Records.

This mini-album kicks off with a radio version of the eponymous track, beginning from the organ into and on, which is nevertheless a great symphonic track, but anyone owning the original version on the full-length album will find no interest in it.The true value of the EP starts with ''Bird of paradise''.Classic Pendragon stuff with soaring synthesizers and dominant guitars to go along with Barrett's warm vocals and the huge organ parts of Nolan.The changes between the synths and organs along with the splendid guitar parts are sure to reward any fan of the style.''Midnight running'', clocking at almost 8 minutes, is another superb piece.Some of the prettiest guitar melodies and most sensitive vocals appear on this track, which remains grandiose from the first to last minute, based on Nolan's dominant keyboards and the pounding rhythm section along with the orchestral breaks.The closing ''A million miles away'' does not hold any particular interest, being a vocal track led by Barrett' voice and the dreamy background synths of Nolan, working as an emotional outro to this EP.

Definitely Pendragon's inspiration was at its peak around mid-90's.Even the material that did not make it to a full-length release is lovely and well-arranged and if you have the chance to grab this mini-album, do not let it escape you.Recommended, especially for the pair of great tracks in the middle.