A PLACE INSIDE

Tristan Park were definitely on the rise in mid-90's, with the band recruiting singer Ray Bowless in the summer of 94', while they also signed a good contract with Cyclops Records.Their next album ''A place inside'' was recorded both in Carlisle, Massachusetts and London and finally released in August 95'.

This was actually the first full-length release of the band, clocking just under an hour long, compared to the short ''At the End of the Day'', and Tristan Park offered what they knew to do best: mixing the adventurous sound of Progressive Rock with the melody and emotion of AOR, to come up with an album of deep lyrical moments, intricate melodies and uptempo songs.This style relies heavily on inspirational melodies and catchy arrangements and, for once more, the band did it very well producing memorable material which contains some trully interesting musicianship on the background.Dramatic vocal passages, superb emotional solos, fast piano paces and a very rich yet dreamy sound overall are always there, comparable to bands like NEPENTHE, CATHERDRAL and ENCHANT.A couple of surupy tracks along with some cheap-sounding synthesizers are the flaws, which hold off ''A place inside'' from being a first-class Neo/Art/Progressive Rock release, but the interesting material is sure to reward the listener.

A great introduction for all prog-amateurs, a highly recommended addition for fans of easy- going Progressive Rock and a nice and pleasant listening for all the rest...3.5 stars.