SONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDREN

As with some other singers, it is a matter of hate / love story with Jerney. It will be a love one with me. This album holds several very good songs. For the Genesis fans of the early days, I can only recommend "Ebbtide" for its very Trespass-esque similarity (or ITCOTCK if you prefer). Jerney's very subtle vocals are just wonderful; the flute adding to the atmosphere of course.

The first great moment is "Storm and Thunder". It opens with a long classical keys introduction. The song builds then crescendo (I very much like this construction as you may know). It is maybe their most beautiful song. When I listen to Jerney, I am almost as biased as when hearing Grace or Patti (Slick or Smith of course). Shivering. The chorus is just magical. A truely symphonic song.

The instrumental "In the Mountain" is a bit naïve. Still, some nice guitar work will prevent it to be weak. It could have almost been a Camel song.

Now, the "pièce de résistance". Their eighteen minutes suite and the title track. Starting with a slow paced and instrumental intro, it gets more and more melodic, sentimental and symphonic. Some nice medieval-like keys sounds (which I usually do not like that much) before the entrance of Jerney's vocals. Once you get there; either you quit or you fall in love. Do I need to mention which is my option ?

Some psychedelia is suggested as well (did you say Grace ?). But gorgeous mellotron ranks this work in the fully symphonic style, no doubt. The middle instrumental part is a bit weak (for about a minute or five) but there is a great and bombastic finale that awaits you.

This is probably not the best prog epic you can think of. Just remember that it was written in 1971. Before "Supper's" and "CTTE". A bit of respect is highly appreciated. For this fact only. The single version featured as a bonus track is an option for those who just want to get the most commercial part of it.

Three stars.