MORE GRAINS OF SAND

Swiss band Clepsydra is one of the great prog bands to emerge from the 1990´s and More Grains of Sand Is their second album. It is also one of my favourites. Coming three years after their debut, Hologram (1991), MGoS find the band in a transitional mode stylistic speaking: still a bit derivative in parts but on the right direction. They would find their very own sound with their next release, Fears (1997). However, in terms of songwriting and playing quality, the album is simply superb: the songs are much more inspired, powerful and well structured and the production is better (although not ideal yet). I specially appreciated Lele Hoffman´s guitars licks and solos, along with Philip Hubert´s tasteful keyboards and the tight rhythm section of Andy Thommen (bass) and Pietro Duca (Drums). Aluisio Maggini´s voice is always something different, to say the least, but you can´t deny his charisma and power. It´s a matter of taste, and I, after acquiring the taste, like it a lot.

Although the band had not totally shed their early Marillion influences yet, More Grains Of Sand shows their enormous talent and potential. Songs like The Prisioner´s Victory and Moonshine On Heights are among their best and the album does not have a single weak track to mar its greatness. If you like the more melodic side of progressive music, where the great technique is used to enhance the songs and not just for pointless displays of virtuosity, then you should not miss this one.

Rating: four strong stars.