MORE GRAINS OF SAND

''Hologram'' was finally followed by the first ever concert of Clepsydra in December 91'.In 1993 the band releases the CD-single ''Fly man'', followed a year later by the second full-length album ''More Grains of Sand'', recorded between December 93' and February 94' at the Flying Studios in Gravellona Toce, Italy and once more released on SPV.

Nothing new added to the succesful sound of ''Hologram'', but this far from being a bad thing.On the opposite, with ''More Grains of Sand'' Clepsydra established themselves as a top competitor of the Neo Prog league.Their style remains highly dramatic, fully emotional and deeply atmospheric, drawing influences from FLOYD-ian soundscapes, MARILLION-esque mannerisms and IQ-like symphonic pyrotechnics, eventually sounding a lot like early COLLAGE, with compositions filled with lyricism and musical beauty.Maggini's voice even sounds more controlled, while the compositions are almost perfectly structured around superb guitar solos, deep, haunting keyboards and shifting moods.Some great keyboard solos by Philip Hubert are also in the menu, while the new album seems to have a bit darker and an even more personal sound overall.The later tracks are definitely among the best Clepsydra's inspirations: Grandiose, symphonic, thrilling and highly melodic Neo Prog of priceless value.

Another winner by this lost Swiss band.Needless to say every decent Neo Prog follower should rank this album among the best of the genre, but ''More Grains of Sand'' is likely to satisfy the whole prog audience due to its majestic atmosphere.Highly recommended.