THE DAWN AFTER THE STORM

"Tempus Fugit" did release an excellent debut album "Tales From a Forgotten World" in 1997. Symphonic to the bones, the band just follows the same sort of inspiration and displays a very similar type of music. Maybe a bit less melodic in the opening number "Daydream".

The next song, although a bit derivative of "SOYCD" during its short intro shows a brilliant synth performance : absolutely beautiful. Some will say that it is a too simple music but I am always submerged by emotion with such gorgeous melody. The song is governed by the keys, but Enrique Simões will perform some great and passionate guitar breaks (similar to the ones of Nick Barrett form "Pendragon"). A highlight.

While their debut were almost all-instrumental, this album features more sung parts. André Mello has a very soft and more than acceptable voice, a bit mellow (again the link with Nick Barrett comes to mind).

"Tocando Voce" starts a sa peaceful acoustic track but once the whole band gets together, the same brilliance shows up. This is another of a melody jewel. Of course, you need to be "in" this type of music. Simple, accessible, romantic. Not complex for a ? cent. But so enjoyable.

Most of the other songs are in the same vein if you would except "Preludio De Sevilla" featuring some Spanish acoustic guitar of course. Very pleasant as well. And an interesting break after so many melodious songs of which the next "The Sight" fully belongs again. Great work from Enrique, very much in the Hackett style ("Firth Of Fifth").

One of the best song is "Discover": it is a bit harder, less polished. The beat is rocking alright and it breaks with the overall mood of the album. The final part of the song is especially well crafted. A crying guitar solo is super effecitve.

If you are found of the instrumental side of "Genesis" (while they were five or four) this album is for you. Not greatly original but so pleasant. Four stars for this delicate piece of work that fully deserves some more attention but which is less inspired than their first album IMHHO.