SIGNS OF CHANGE

Yes, this is the same After the Fire that brought us the English language cover of Falco's "Der Kommisar". Of course, that's the song that they're best known for. Would it surprise you that they actually started off as a prog rock band? That's true! They were a Christian-oriented band but I never found their lyrics proselytizing. In 1978 they released Signs of Life and is nothing like the new wave albums they would release. This is your keyboard-driven prog, lots of Hammond organ and Moog, in the ELP, Genesis, and perhaps Greenslade style, with the occasional venture into English folk influences that's not a million miles away from the likes of Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span (but no female vocals). Keyboardist Peter Banks had to rename himself "Memory" Banks to avoid confusion with the ex-Yes guitarist with the same name. Peter Banks was also in a band called Narnia who released an album called Aslan is not a Tame Lion in 1974.

Given Signs of Life was released in 1978, the band realized that prog was pretty much a dead end. They quickly signed a deal with CBS, and turned to new wave.

Signs of Life, is the only album you need from them if you're a prog rock fan. Unfortunately I didn't find this to be the lost gem of progressive rock, some passages seem a bit insipid to my ears, but it's still worth getting. For the new wave fans of the band (those who enjoy "Der Kommisar"), be prepared for a shock.