THE DIFFICULT SECOND

In 1989 another line-up wind breezed for Etcetera, but this time it was for good.Carvalho was joined by drummer Jens Nyholm, who replaced Johnnie McCoy, and bassist Anders Kjaerulff, an original member of the group, with whom he spent a respectable number of years.With Michael Munch-Hansen (also part of the first line-up) guesting on vocals, the trio recorded a new demo in February 1990, which was reworked and re-released by Carvalho in 1998 upon request under the name ''The difficult second''.

It opens with the nice 17-min. epic ''Trespasser'',which starts as a KING CRIMSON-like track with smooth vocals,while a grandiose and large middle section follows,dominated by nice Hammond organ and moog synth leads supported by almost sounther-rock guitars (!) and the end contains some ROBERT FRIPP-like guitar work.''The hunter'' and ''Frosty days'' follow,two decent ballads with a mellow atmosphere and lots of acoustic stuff.You'll be reminded of GENESIS on ''Suite no.1 for four piece rock band'' and its fantastic melodicism,characterized by the baroque influences of the electric piano and the organ,which bring TONY BANKS to mind, and the STEVE HACKETT-like sensitive guitar lines,both electric and acoustic.The closer ''Erratic behavior'' is another KING CRIMSON-influenced track with complicated guitar work,awesome bass on the front, distinctive keys and relatively complex drumming with jazzy influences.A nice one to close the demo.

Regarding that in 1998 ETCETERA were already a band with ten years of history and experience,it is reasonable this effort to contain lots of great moments.Much recommended,especially to vintage-prog fans!