ORIGIN OF THE STORM

Lee Abraham has always produced some stellar prog/rock with a heavy accent on his guitar work. On this, his 10th solo album (in between Galahad gigs) he has added Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon) on keys, (whilst retaining stellar pianist Rob Arnold who adds the Richard Wright-type glue) to add a whole new depth to his compositions. This hits us immediately with the instrumental opening title track with sterling Nolan solos. Five of the 7 tracks all clock in over 8 minutes, and whilst the accent is on the instruments, the vocals are well handled by long time contributor Marc Atkinson (tracks 5,7) and the excellent Pete Jones (Camel, Tiger Moth Tales) who absolutely shines on the poignant When I Need A Friend and also sings on The Same Life and Chalk Hill. Galahad bassist Mark Spencer takes lead vox on the prog metal track Isolation/Disconnection. Last track Siren's Song is my personal favourite, opening with a strong melodic guitar joined by synths leading up to a breathless Atkinson delivery starting around the 3 min mark. A heavier repeated riff comes in at 6 mins supported by organ, before the now customary LA album climax with piano leading us onto one last solo from Mr Abraham. A busy musician (in between a daytime job working in a university), who is well entrenched in the UK prog community, it's always a joy following Lee's musical journey, and this is no exception.