CLEARLIGHT SYMPHONY

"Clearlight Symphony" is the debut full-length studio album by French progressive rock act Clearlight. The album was released in 1975 through Virgin Records. Clearlight was formed in 1973 by keyboard player Cyrille Verdeaux, who is also the main composer of the band´s music. The remaining members are session musicians which includes prolific names like Steve Hillage and Didier Malherbe. The release of "Clearlight Symphony" was one of Virgin Records´s attempts at replicating the major commercial success of Mike Oldfield´s 1973 "Turbular Bells" album.

The muisc is fully instrumental and it´s meditative and relaxing music featuring what I´d almost characterize as a new-age atmosphere. There are strong psychedelic influences heard too and ties to symphonic progressive rock, and also a jazz/rock element. Mike Oldfield is the most obvious influence, but I hear a few nods towards Pink Floyd and Gong here and there too.

"Clearlight Symphony" features only two side-long tracks (both around 20 minutes long). "1st Movement" is the most energetic and rock oriented track, while "2nd Movement" is generally less rock oriented (doesn´t feature as much drumming). While it´s a more subdued composition and features many mellow and slow building atmospheric sections, I wouldn´t call it uneventful or an overall mellow track. There still enough drama and changes to keep the listener on his/hear toes.

It´s a well produced release, perfectly showcasing all instruments in the layered mix. That probably wasn´t easy to achieve. Upon conclusion this is for fans of Mike Oldfield and atmospheric new-age oriented and meditative progressive rock. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.