SIGNPOSTS

This new USA progrock formation features members from other USA progrock bands Salem Hill and Glass Hammer. The music on this debut CD is pleasant, melodic, accessible and modern sounding synphonic prog with the focus on the vocals and the lyrics (about the Titanic, God, the Roumanian dictator Ceausescu and 9/11). But the integration of vintage keyboards (frequent sound of the unsurpassed Mellotron and fat Minimoog) and the often fiery guitarwork colours Vertical Alignment their prog very tasteful. The climates range from dreamy with acoustic rhythm guitar and piano to compelling and bombastic with lush keyboards and howling guitar runs (like in the long tracks Freedom Calls with duo- keyboards, Rented House and Kingdom Of Summer with a beautiful final part delivering choir-Mellotron and a sensitive guitar solo). This CD doesn't contain complex or surprising prog but it sounds very pleasant and tastefully arranged, during the long running time of almost 80 minutes I kept my attention for Vertical Alignment their music on this promising debut CD. My rating 3,5 stars and .. recommended!