FOUNTAINS OF LIGHT

I have caught myself deep in the web of realization that I have always loved this album, more than 3o years now. I was bitterly disappointed when through some major misprint Saga opened for UK in 1980 for a show in Montreal instead of Starcastle (as printed on the tickets, the Canadian lads were not too happy either!), as I was pining for a live rendition of their first 3 albums (after that their career floundered into pure pap). We all have heard ad nauseam that they are Yes clones. Okay, enough already! Truth is that on their own technical talents and merits, Starcastle was a formidable showcase with powerful bass (sounding like you know who) and manic drumming, propulsive synthesized barrages laced with dual guitar blasts , all tied together by Terry Luttrell's angelic voice and loads of massed harmonies (at this, they even surpassed their teachers) . The overpowering recurring theme here is "light' and the mood is decidedly brilliant and expansive. "Fountains" is a familiar tonal epic, very upbeat and polyrhythmic, with Gary Strater's omnipotent Rickenbacker leading the way, showcasing a cosmic adventure that convinces and giving lieu to a myriad of themes and solos. Keyboardist Herb Schildt is no slouch in collating various Wakemanesque colorations and infuses bright forays that blitz incessantly. The brief "Dawning of the Day" becomes almost accessible, a simple melody hammered relentlessly, featuring more devilish bass runs that fit in well with the previous track. "Silver Wings" flutters with utter abandon, slowly carving out another manic romp, Luttrell showing off some serious pipes in floating so gracefully over the melodic line. Herb unleashes a few memorable keyboard thrills, slippery solar lights swirling in the ether. "True to the Light" continues the pace unabated, another raging and bright composition . "Portraits" is a pastoral piece that has fragile serenity all over its gentle grooves, a delicious ballad that nevertheless remains firmly entrenched in sparse symphonics, an immediately appealing piece that rivals the colossal finale "Diamond Song", the jewel of this St-Louis band's repertoire. The tumbling bass and pulsating drums are merely sublime, the faultless foil for "the deep is the light in her eyes" chorus that does not fail to enchant, even bewitch. A warm, confident harmonic breeze flows through the grooves, the epitome of a true prog classic. This song alone has been trotting in my head for such a very long time now. I can finally save it on my PC and return to it like some long lost friend. If you need to get a Starcastle album, this is the one. 4 luminary bastions