ACT ONE

Before I started to love mellotron, I loved Hammond organ and perhaps I still do. Title track "Poet and Peasants" pleased me. Not only for H. solos, which are by the way perfectly, but also something like pompous style of Martin Griffiths vocal style. But the biggest importance of this album lies in. Classical music. Because these tracks has nether original melody composed by BO, or uses music of well known composers of past times. First I though that just "Raymond's Road" has these traits, but after little bit information (thank you Google), I realize that it's in almost all of these tracks as major theme, or more themes. Of course, this is modern approach and in fact, this is one of meaning of progressive music, to take previous music to another level.

Classical music with medieval themed lyrics, fast pace, rock instruments joined with then usual little bit of psychedelia. I found myself quite interested in this approach. Last time it was symphonic Yes and before that, London Symphonic Orchestra and their rock hits. Well, I suppose it can work both way, classical => rock, rock => classical. You'll hear many well known melodies, even played on rock organs, drums making tempo, voice giving it life itself.

Four stars for this marriage of classical sounds with rock.