TRIP IN THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

After a few spins of this album I got the idea of checking out of the band description here on PA and expected a comparison (at least) if not a clone mention to Marillion. But guess what ? There wasn't ! Surprise because many neo bands are compared/referred to Marillion and sometimes not even justified but this band is as neo as it gets and has clear resamblance to the leaders of the subgenre and yet ... no mention. Never mind, Egoband is not a cheap clone by any means, let me be clear about this. But some reference, I really think so.

Anyway, if it's like Marillion, it's certainly not worse, in my opinion it's even much better though not with every song. When I had my first five listening efforts I was a bit confused: was this album absolutely magnificent or just good ? I couldn't make up my mind because I was tossed about between these two possibilities after each listening. But now I have found out why this happened. The fairly simple answer is that there are two mindblowing tracks on this album (Tree of Life and especially the title track) and the rest is hardly more than good/very good.

Or in other words: the two stand out tracks are close to 5 star efforts, simple as that and are both better than the best songs Marillion ever produced. Huge instrumental contributions and stunning build up of the compositions. In both cases it mainly shows in the second half of the song. I think these two are contenders for my top 100 songs ever ! But the other 5 (8th track is just a short reprise) are like I said good/very good meaning somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. Especially second song In the Air is very Marillion resembling. Listen to the rhythm of this song, it's very Script. Even the guitar sounds like Rothary. Very good track, this one as well coming close to 4 stars. The opener scores 3,5 *. Third and fourth track also have Marillion resemblance and things are also caused by the vocals I suddenly realize. Both tracks are worth 3,75-4 stars imo.

Sixth song Nowdays and Fatality is PA's stream track and can thus be checked out any time. I think it's not really the best and hardly representative for the album so don't let this one put you off. Still worth 3,75 stars to me.

Conclusion: a stunning and sensational debut this one by Egoband and as this is the first review I think this can be considered a hidden gem. One of those you always hope to find as a reward for your searching activities. Highly recommended for the real neo fans ! 4 stars easily (4,25).

I'm surprised, given the 1991 release date of "Trip in the Light of the World", and its solid neo meets bluesy rock style, that this album and group are not generally credited with spurring on the 1990s Italian prog revival. I suspect it could be because there isn't a lot about their debut that suggests the band's ethnic origins. Nonetheless, EGOBAND has forged their own style amid the influences, and, while the result falls short of excellent, it's not for lack of spirit or effort.

The thick synthesizers and bouncy rhythms and the vocals are certainly reminiscent of Gabriel and early Collins-era GENESIS, and I hear plenty of FISH-isms as well. The lyrics and concept are suitably murky which work to the overall benefit of the package. Here and there are odes to organ dominated R&B of the 1960s and 1970s, which can sometimes be irritatingly out of place, but at the same time they do project the band's unwillingness to accept the mere "neo prog" label.

Only a few tracks stand out, although none are bad by any means. The opener is an instrumental in which the keyboards have that sci-fi theme quality as well as sounding airily like wind instruments. The development and buildup are well executed. "Man, the rain, the door" is possibly the mellowest piece thanks to sensitive electric piano and acoustic guitar, but raunchy lead guitar and vocals also enter without changing the pace. "Nowdays and Fatality" starts with ambient keys and a short tentative vocal before expressive lead guitars herald the start of the song proper around the 90 second mark. From here it's a ponderous organ and solemn vocal fest. Comparisons to "Men of Lake" cannot be avoided as a result of both the vocal and instrumental choices and styles. The excellent drumming of Fabio Cioni is worth singling out as well.

While EGOBAND's debut is not a classic of neo or RPI, is confident without being self focused, and it may well light up your evening if not your world.