ATLANTIS

As with many transition albums, "Atlantis" shows the group at its best in a perfect storm of conflict between at least 2 opposing forces. In this case it's the psychedelic prog of its predecessor and the more pop oriented material that would continue to impose itself in greater degree on the band throughout the seventies. Earth and Fire was somewhat unique in being artistically adept at both styles, although this album still tends to the more progressive side of their character.

The title suite opens the album, and, similarities to "Song of the Marching Children" notwithstanding, it actually flows together better. Rather than having one awesome theme and a bunch of middling sections, Atlantis is pretty strong from beginning to end, and varies the tempo a little more, especially in the "Under a cloudy sky" part and its counterpart "Rumbling earth". The lead guitars are more prominent, with the omnipresent organ taking a bit more of a back seat.

"Maybe Tomorrow Maybe Tonight" is the first hint at quality pop, albeit with a progressive heart in its 5:46. Chiefly it is the chorus that tells us where Earth and Fire wants to go, as it is simple and catchy. But "Fanfare" is quite the opposite, a mysterious mellotron drenched song much closer to their progressive roots. "Love Please Close the Door" is a fascinating call and response between Kaagman and the band, one of the more intriguing tunes in their repertoire, once you get past the fact that it has no flow in it at all per se.

While perhaps not as emblematic of an era as was "Song of the Marching Children", "Atlantis" is a more consistent album that sees Earth and Fire forge its own style even as it grapples with changing it in order to keep from becoming lost in the ocean of 1970s rock.