THE ART OF VANISHING

Another solid effort from Cirrus Bay, who changes somewhat with each release, but also retains similar elements, notably strong melody and a love for chord and key changes, sometimes recalling Tony Banks. This is probably less 'proggy' but also more beautiful than 'Places Unseen'. The songs breathe a bit more and sound more organic, in part due to much tasteful use of sax, piano and acoustic guitar amid the keyboards and electric guitars. There is a wistful, late summer feel to much of the album, and never more apparent than in 'Sooke Harbour', which utilizes recorder and sax as unlikely co-lead instruments over piano, keys and 12-string guitar. This is the most beautiful piece of music I've heard all year, not incredibly complex, but a very lovely instrumental. 'The Vanishing Place' and 'Unexpected Wonder' are other favorites, the most complex and overtly 'proggy'. The second half is much more progressive sounding, with the exception of 'The Dictator', a simpler track but with a good melody and great vocals, along with some killer Banks-like? chords at the end. As usual, there seems to be a lot to delve into, and a lot of variation, with Tai Shan providing really beautiful vocals, with original member Sharra Acle providing backing vocals and harmonies, and they really sound nice together in 'A Blossom of Hills'.

The 2 cd only bonus tracks are mostly acoustic, reminding me a little of Anthony Phillips. 'Falling Leaves' is a vocal track with 12-string guitars, bass and piano. Bill sings in this one, not bad, but I'm glad it's only one song. Definitely a bit of an Ant Phillips vibe here. 'Medley for Solo Piano' is 12-minutes of solo piano, and doesn't sound as professionally recorded, but there are beautiful moments. Again, reminding of Ant Phillips. This is my breakdown of tracks:

A Blossom of Hills - **** Undiscovered Isle - *** A Garment of Clouds - ***** The North Country - **** Sooke Harbour - ***** Eden - *** Unexpected Wonder - ***** Lost and Profound - **** The Dictator - **** The Vanishing Place - ***** Falling Leaves - *** Medley for Solo Piano - ****