PILGRIM

As I stated in my previous review of Trion's debut "Tortoise", I was in a state of advanced trepidation while waiting for this sophomore contribution. The first album was an exemplary mellotron orgy, loaded with bristle melodies, sensational soloing by guitarist Eddie Mulder and winks at Camel, KC, Ant Phillips and Focus. Because of incredible feed-back from both fans and media, the Dutchmen decided to turn their one- shot deal into a sequel offering "Pilgrim", without any attempt to not progress into deeper adventure: the mighty 'trons are still present of course but Edo Spanninga has wisely added some organ, piano and even synthesizer to his arsenal. Eddie continues to double on bass but he really gets to showcase his incredible talent (not always apparent with day-band Flamborough Head) with some well crafted signature solos. Odyssice's talented Memmo Boosma is steady as a dyke, keeping it all together. This remains an all- instrumental affair of the highest caliber, with a multitude of ingenious workouts that have more substance than endless noodling, suggesting deep felt emotions that need no lyrics or vocalist. Had this been in vinyl LP form, we would have a double album as this monster is 76 minutes in length. So how to these Hollanders set sail? With an opening title track that seizes the casual listener by the melodic jugular, a 7 minute + ride that is certainly mellow (no crunch here!) but fully loaded with passionate evocations of the Jemetrion saga (first broached with the debut), a story with no singing (similar to Xang, who have deep lyrics and momentous storylines but no vocals). There is no point in describing each track as they are all luscious affairs, my fellow colleagues have done a splendid job throwing light on the magnificent moments. Suffice to say that this is a huge melodic banquet that has everything a progfan needs to get his jollies: stupendous mellotron expressions, fascinating guitar solo sorties and a rich variety of acoustic and electric adornments. Without a doubt the epic monster "Frank" is a typical example (or recap) of the creative genius expressed in the grooves, full of alternating contrasts, shifting moods and unpredictable surprises. An unmitigated instrumental masterstroke. After all, we PA reviewers can't be wrong, we do have taste ! Also very cool : the debut had a Roger Dean style artwork while here we are in an overt Hipgnosis mood, very reminiscent of Yes' Going For the One . 5 Try-ons