ONDINE

While I was listening to the opening track of this album, I thought: "He! I know this song". But I couldn't tell on the spot which one. But it became quite obvious after the chorus: "Candy's Going Bad" from "Golden Earring" was the song. A partial rip off should I say.

What's nice, are the peaceful flute interludes that brings a definite prog side to this track. What's not nice are the extremely poor vocals (but this is not the first Japanese band to deliver this). If only this track would have been purely instrumental...

The music alternates between gentle and sweet flute combined with heavy rock elements during which the guitar is soaring jolly good like during "Ultimate" which is my preferred song from the whole album (it is also purely instrumental).

Melancholic symphonic music can be experienced during the title track: a simple structure, a nice melody and a catchy guitar break are definitely pleasant. Just a pity that there are some vocals in here?

The long closing number "Tsuki-ni-hoeru" allows the band to expand more in the several directions which they have investigated with the shorter tracks from this debut album.

More subtle moments, more great guitar parts; but not more vocals (thank god!). Some jazzy and groovy passages also provides some eclectics to this song which is pretty enjoyable to listen to. A fine moment in perspective for symphonic prog fans. (like the good bonus track as well).

Three stars for this good album that could have been rated higher if only the vocal department would have been on par.