CALATEA

Unlike some other ''Yes'' clones, this band adds some jazzy flavour to their music and their front man is a good multi-instrumentalist (flute, sax). I have to say that the prog-tango (!) and opening number is quite special. When ''Yes'' meets some Argentinean sounds... What an experience!

When I spoke of a ''Yes'' clone, it is not fully the truth. Some passages are typical of ''Genesis'' as well (the intro of '' Surrey From The Summit'' for instance). At the time of release, there were not that many bands to play this type of ''Yes'' oriented music and the addition of sax/flute is probably what makes the difference with the average ''Starcastle'' for instance. But this is only my HHO.

The highlight from this album is probably the long (over eleven minutes) ''Volcano''. It combines great piano play, good sax, derivative Anderson vocals (which are not the best from it), sweet fluting and pleasant acoustic guitar. If you are a fan of ''Cinema Show'', there is no doubt that some instrumental sections are going to remind you this great song.

An excellent number after all even if not at all personal. It is also one of the very few which holds some electric guitar solo; this album being mostly keyboards oriented.

The jazzier of all on this album is ''Pyramids''. It is another occasion to appreciate the work of Roland Ruckstuhl on the keys (piano and synths). The jazzy feel is deeply augmented by the symphonic sax play. It is a highly technical piece of work, but I don't like it very much to tell the truth. But my relation with jazz has never been a love affair.

There is also an Oriental atmosphere during ''Apocalypse of Sounds''. The whole spectrum of their work appears here as a kaleidoscope: some nice touches of each of their strenghts. After ''Vulcano'', this might well be my fave. It is a more personal track probably.

In all, this is of course the representation of a derivative band, but I far much prefer them to ''Starcastle'' or ''Glass Hammer'' (to name only a couple). They bring definite personal touches in their work even if the closing ''Gate Out Of Calatea'' sounds as a rip off ''The Knife'' during the intro. The tango feel is again present (just like the opener and sister ''Gate To Calitea''). The final part is harder and dark and closes the album in a pleasant form. Three stars.

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