CRAFT

This album is usually quoted as similar to some songs from The Enid. The comparison can be good for those who know this band and are unaware of Craft. But this comparison has restrictions, because both compositions and executions aren't so equal. This album has much more balance between the instruments, in comparison to Enid. This means that drums and guitars are more present. Two other important differences: plenty of piano playing, and a bass sound taken from the guitar or the synth (when I heard it, could swear there was a bass player, but on the booklet there's no reference on such musician or instrument).

The opening track, "Aries" starts with a great phrasing on piano, which comes and go through the song, and is also used by the synth and the guitar. Without going repetitive, and dialoguing with other tunes. The similarity to Enid, here and on some other tracks, can be seen on the guitar performances.

A very pleasent combination of synth, piano and a bass sound makes the first part of next track, "Taurus". This one reminds Enid, but the bass sound and the piano tunes mark a difference, and gives it a fine mood, livener without exaggerations.

What an excellent track is "Gemini"! Drummer and guitar-player are particularly inspired. Both of them keep themselves on the composition, without much solos, but making subtle changes on rhythms and harmonies that enriches a lot the composition. That instrument-similar-to-bass again, and some brief interventions on the piano complete this great song.

"Cancer", track 4, is less complex. It has, though, some good phrasings on the guitar, and making with the drummer very good interplay. Its ending is bombastic playing, but also includes some brief marching themes.

Fifth track, "Leo", isn't as good as the previous stuff, but has some very inteligent and creative tempos on drums. Guitar-player makes a consistent and elegant shift from more pompous playing with more intimate interventions.

"Virgo", the last one, is very Enid-alike. It's the shortest song and doesn't reach 3min. Only synths. Weakest track.

If you have the original CD from Kinetic Records, I suggest you just ignore the two bonus tracks, "Branislana" and "So to Sleep". Very irritating how simple they are, and both have nothing to do with progressive rock.

My note without the bonus tracks is 4.2. With them, 3.9.

A tip: if you search it on spotify, look by the term "First Signs" on the album's title.