HEAD FOR THE MOON

With their first real teamwork yet to be released, Mark Price's High Spy decided to throw in the market several live releases and even a couple of DVD's to keep their fan base updated around the upcoming material.More than 5 live CD's and video footages were released between 2007 and 2008, while the group had a refreshed line-up with Mark Stokes as a second guitarist and new drummer Arny Wheatley in the place of Arran Powell.Their new work ''Head for the moon'' was eventually self-released in 2009.

Ok, this group has some history along the lines of early-80's British Prog with experienced members on the crew and ''Head for the moon'' is the best proof for the fact.This is old-fashioned British Neo Prog, like if it was recorded in early-80's, with Price being the main contributor, but having also interesting guitar parts in the process.The tracks are full of nervous synthesizer solos and floating keyboard textures akin to early MARILLLION and the guitar runs are also close to the Scottish masters as well as ABEL GANZ with quite a DAVID GLMOUR-ish touch in the more sensitive solos.This albums surely revives the dark Prog years, the silver period of the genre, blending the powerful, raw synth explosions of the 70's British groups with a slightly poppy flavor in some catchy overtones or the accesible choruses.But the music can get really bombastic at moments, leaving the pleasant and optimistic tunes for sharp, keyboard-based textures, backed up by strong guitar lines and solos.Good thing is the compositions are pretty well-crafted with plenty of enjoyable parts, while the shadow of 70's Prog covers the whole work.

Things are pretty clear.If you love early MARILLION, IQ, PALLAS, TWELFTH NIGHT, ABEL GANZ and PENDRAGON, this work is 100% sure to please you.The great keyboard work and a fair dose of beautiful melodies are among the highlights of a recommended, overlooked album.