AD LIBITUM/SIMILE...

This is the 4th twofer released in 2009 on the label Opus, thus providing us with two more albums from the Slovakian band Fermata. And this one is a mixed bag! If "Ad Libitum" (1984) clearly shows signs of fatigue and sounds decidedly more plain rock than progressive, the return operated in 1991 after a long (and positive) break, ending with the release of "Simile", is far more interesting, presenting a band that found new energy and can bite again! The synth work also gives us rich and powerful sounds, able to sustain catchy melodies as well as darker moods or guitars on fire. There is a solid drumming throughout and some nice harmonic bass playing (the track "Mardi Gras" on Simile) or gentle arpeggiated acoustic guitar that give extra colours here and there. When this is said, I'd better finish by telling you that the band's highlights are still what they came with in the 70's; no matter how but the late releases from the 90's are still halting, compared to the initial outburst; and what they did in the mid 80's will probably not leave much positive in your memories! So to be fair, I should only rate this 2,5 stars, "Simile" being the only real value of this twofer.