LA LEYLA

Ramses' debut album borrows a great deal from classic early 1970s groups like IRON BUTTERFLY, DEEP PURPLE and URIAH HEEP in their liberal use of organ and hard rock and bluesy styles, but this is tempered with a German symphonic influence a la ELOY, so the result is pretty high on the listenability index, even if the lyrics are generally low on the poetic index.

Because this sounds older than it is, I am not surprised to hear anti-war sentiments in "War". But the song simply lacks an original approach and its "hook" is unconvincing. The best tracks here are the longest ones, the title cut and "Someone Like You" for their more developed song structure and space for expansion on guitar as well as keys. An additional plus is that the English vocals are very competent, though the audibility of the lyrics was perhaps ill conceived given their rudimentary nature. But even musically, little on this album has much "wow" factor, as well played as it generally is.

If you enjoy organ dominated small p progressive rock, this one is worth picking up. Just be prepared for its decidedly retro sound, even for 1976.