ALOHA

Consisting of excerpts of Ariel's final concert - for which they had an "Island Fantasia" theme - this album focuses almost entirely on new material, previously unreleased in studio versions - the only songs that would have been familiar to record buyers would be their two most recent singles "Disco Dilemma" and "It's Only Love", and Spectrum's smash "I'll Be Gone" (which appropriately closed the concert). By now the band had become very democratic, everyone except Bill Putt contributes their share of songwriting and lead vocals, although Mike Rudd is still the dominant force. Tony Slavich is playing somewhat more synthesiser than before, but otherwise this is a continuation of the sound and songwriting approach of the previous album "Goodnight Fiona" - ie slick mainstream pop/rock. There is no hint whatsoever here of the band's prog beginnings. One only for Mike Rudd's most ardent fans.