TALES OF THE DIVERS - LIVE

After a 2 decade absence, Bahrain's OSIRIS seems to be a going concern again. Not only that, they are showing more flashes of their Arabian roots than we heard during an impressive 3 album run in the 80s. "Tales of the Divers - Live" is actually a concert recording from that decade but it consists of material that never saw a studio release. We were treated to a small portion courtesy of the "Beyond Control-Live" album but here are the tales ostensibly in their entirety.

This is OSIRIS' "Snow Goose" if you will, a story told mostly in music, with only a couple of vocal tracks. However Snow Goose, was based on a well known story and could be appreciated with or without an imaginary film to act as soundtrack. "Tales of the Divers" seems to be a soundtrack in search of a film. As with such recordings, many tracks seem unfinished, and do not feel completed by what follows, because "scenes" change as abruptly as the music, and we are missing the scenes. Traditional instrumentation and chanting here and there color the proceedings but don't always link well to the modern sounds.

Whining aside, a fair number of these tracks can be plucked out of their context and sound significant, at times in a heartwarming way. One of the best is "The Deep" - MIKE OLDFIELD and ELOY fans take note. We can hear both the former's "Tubular Bells" influence and the latter's exemplary synth work on "Planets". "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" , "We Wait", and "Homeward Bound Once Again" are keyboard dominated pieces with strong melodies and enough fluid guitar soloing and accompaniment by Mohammed Al-Sadeqi to keep most symphonic and neo fans happy.

If you plan to dive into the waters of Bahraini progressive rock, know that there are some pearls on this release, although I still recommend their self titled debut, "Myths and Legends" and "Beyond Control" as introductions to this eminently likable and listenable group.