GALAHAD ACOUSTIC QUINTET: NOT ALL THERE

Galahad "unplugged" may seem as a rather strange idea for a band that lives and dies for lush neo-prog infested arrangements, yet in all fairness, this unusual recording was lovingly put down on tape , live in the studio, with nary an overdub and a distinct lack of keyboard arsenals. The result is positively enchanting , a very english medieval suite with exuberant folk influences reminiscent of early Strawbs with the majority of the instrumentation confined preciously to acoustic guitar, piano, flute, tambourine and clarinet. Nice and lean, almost pristine. One gets the distinctive impression of a camp fire scene in Sherwood Forest , wood logs crackling among the autumn leaves under the owl's watchful eye, Robin Hood and his merry men as an audience , resting before the next battle with the Sheriff of Nottingham. Vocalist Stuart Nicholson proves that he has one of the better voices in Prog (a very rare quality, alas) , both warm and evocative. Similar to Gian Castello's classic "Taliesyn" , this is perfect minstrel in the gallery music , ideal as a respite from the constant Arena, Dream Theater & Porcupine Tree onslaught. 4.5 red moons