RHAPSODY

Pell Mell´s third release follows the formula adopted on their second efford and improves it: classical themes dressed up with prog rock arrangements and little original material (and, even then, nothing very extraordinaire). It is clear that the sound is more focused and the band is playing more together than on From The New World, but I still think their best (and most interesting) stuff remains in their debut album Marburg.

Not that Rhapsody is weak per se. The musicians are outstanding and really know how to handle the difficult classical stuff very well. But I´ve seen lost of other bands do it with much more personality (Emerson Lake & Palmer, an obvious influence, springs in mind immediatly, but there are otherS like Renaissance, Trace, etc). Some moments are quite good (the 9 minute opener Frost of An Alien Darkness is a highlight), some are less, and definitly the inclusion of a number like Can Can is embarassing. Vocals are their weak spot, but so were the ones of many bands from that era.

If you like classical music set in prog arrangements, go for it. The music here is well done and has some delicate parts, with soft approaches. If you´re looking for originality or something bold, go somewhere else. Small wonder this band did not reach a wider audience at the time, the competition was tough and other groups had a lot more to give. Still, Rhapsody has good symphonic moments with fine violin parts. 3 stars.