WHO ROLLS THE DICE?

This "EP" was produced and released at the same time as their debut album, just at the time when it seemed the group was about to breakthrough with a bunch of concerts in Belgium and neighbouring countries. This album is rather funny in its conception being completely transparent and was only available as a Cd-r back then. While only 27 minute long, this "EP "repeats the superb impressions that comes with the debut album.

Only five tracks, but well in the same genre than their debut, but with an added keyboardist, making them a sextet when they tried to breakthrough. So in principle the difference between the debut and this Ep would be keyboards (there were none in the debut), but it could fool me for they do not alter the sound any, if at all. Yes, they (kb) make the occasional appearance in Who Calls The Name,

If anything the Crimson influences are slightly more enhanced (especially in Illusion) and the Burma Shave a bit less pronounced. Clearly the highlight in this record is the almost 9- min epic Bending The Horizon, where they take the time to expand and take dramatic meanders (guitars are wailing) while the singer clearly looks at Lake's more solemn moments, but nothing scandalous. This track is probably the "epic-est" of the group.

While it is difficult to choose this EP over the debut album, it is slightly more professional (songwriting makes more sense) and certainly represents the group at its prime.