CHASING THE DRAGONFLY

There won't be a revolution in "Galadriel" music. After an avearge debut album, they will propose the same sort of music : meaning "Yes" music. They are cloning this great band with lots of care, I have to say. I remember the first time I listened to their albums : I was really charmed by their nice symphonic sounds and the totally Anderson type of vocals. It was such a return into my past musical experience that I was quite found of them.

Compositions are more polished, nmore achieved than on "Muttered Promises". As during their first release, there will be some short songs here. I quite like "Passport To Tora". Nice melody, beautiful guitar work. But the Oriental "Under A Full Coloured Sky" is not my cup of tea. Too much "world music" to my taste.

"Alveo" is fully "Boléro" influenced. Hypnotic and gentle. Typical track for this band. "Merciless Tides" has more variety. The rhythm is a bit more vigourous which is welcome because one has the impression to listen to the same type of sounds. A bit too much. It is a pleasant break in between this maelstroëm of peaceful music.

"Galadriel" will also produce an epic song on this album (they did the same already on their first one). I like the scary mood of the intro for "The Gray Stones of Escalia" but the first part of the song is mellow and little inspired. Lacking in emotional moments. If it didn't sound so much to "Yes", I would say that the dull mood reminds me seriously to "Mark II Marillion". It gets better during the second half which starts with a good guitar solo, and leads to a more rocking number with powerful keys. But these good vibes will only last for three minutes. Still, during the finale, the band will take us into a great guitar orgy.

Galadriel's music is fully symphonic. Tranquil and beautiful. Their second album is better and is worth a listening. Three stars.