INVISIBLE

I began acquairing a good measure of taste for Nick's vocals since my first contact with Spock Beard's album "V", and the acquisition is still going on with this one. He owns a strong, clear baritone, yet capable of coming across a fairly wide range. Of course, one cannot appear as a prog reviewer invoking nothing else than a good voice, if really expects to persuade somebody. That's why I have to tell you some good, some bad and some bittersweet news.

Regarding the good, I must emphasize (never enough) the classical sweetness of the orchestral arrangements, particularly in the strings rank. The bill presented by the studio must be justified for sure. Also sweet for the progger's ears must sound the clear Kansas influence imprinted specially in the singing, along with lots of dexterous instrumental interplay.

Now, regarding the bad (for the prog mind, at least), I've detected here a generous portion of Alternative Rock influence, mainly in the form of saturated, angular guitar riffs, and that classic blend of voice and acoustic guitar inherited from folk-rock. Not that I personally had a problem with that, it just doesn't sound like proper prog stuff

¿Prepared for bittersweet? Well, there's a fair share of balladesque material here, check out, for example, tracks 6 "Waiting for no one", and 8 "Where's the passion ?". Besides, midway pops up ... yes, the cover version of "Money (That's what I want)", a song invested with Beatle fame, but in no way progressive.

Still, I like what I heard, but I can't recommend it as addition to a prog collection, just as a very, very good album.