RETREAT

Rousseau´s second album was my first entry into this band. It´s very mellow, pastoral, an interesting combination of prog rock, classical music and light jazz. There is some good flute interplay with acoustic and electric guitars and very nice keyboards. Their first CD was totally instrumental, but on this one a singer, Herbert G. Ruppik , is included and he does a fine job on a few tracks to make it a varied and interesting work.

It is very hard to believe Retreat was released in 1983, as it is too retro and unfashinable for its time. I can´think of anything less marketable for that year, so I´m quite admired for their boldness (and the recording company´s for the matter). Although I liked all the tracks, there is othing here that I can say it is a real highlight. There are no lows, nor highs. it´s all very smooth and lovely, although I do miss something more challeging or heavier at times. Production is quite good.

All in all I liked this CD. It is not enough to warrant a four star rating, at least in my collection. But still is quite good and I do have a soft spot for it since Rousseau sometimes remind me of much of the symphonic works brazilian bands were doing at the time. Final rating: 3,5 stars. Recommeded.