EMERGENCE

Line-up shakes were not a strange fact for Visible Wind.After the release of ''A moment beyond time'' Philippe Woolgar left the band (he later released the solo album ''Duo de ciel''), but he was instantly replaced by Claude Rainville.Third album ''Emergence'' was recorded in a country house during the spring of 92' and released two years later indendently by the band, even if a couple of reissue by major labels are around.It appears to be concept work around a desperate salesman losing his passion for life, empty of any motivation or ambition.

The development of ''Emergence'' is pretty weird.It opens with one of the most complex pieces written by Visible Wind, the 14-min. long ''Sweet perdition''.Not complex in a King Crimson way of course, but this is definitely a great piece of music, showcasing Visible Wind at their most symphonic, only comparable to the sound of COLLAGE and the likes, evolving from bombastic, symphonic keyboards to laid-back, lyrical moments and containing some nice and suprising twists and, as expected, some melodic guitar work.The following few tracks, although not that ambitious, maintain the good composing quality, lyrical depth and atmospheric colors, for which the Canadians were known for.These go in a typical Neo Prog path, but appear to be heavier and more pounding than anything produced by the band before, sometimes reminiscent of Swedish act GALLEON, with exciting grooves, keyboard breaks and very energetic guitar and bass.After the middle there is certain turn towards the style displayed by the band during its early years, a late-70's GENESIS feeling is evident throughout with emphasis on lyrics, downtempo rhythms, background synths and mellow guitars, while melody becomes eventually a priority during the farewell moments.Always well-crafted material, even if the energy is held down a bit.

Great work.The long, opening track alone is a good reason to buy the album, but fortunaely the rest of it is also pretty nice as well.Definitely among the controversial works by Visible Wind, which I personally loved at the end.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.