TIME TO TURN

Having been persuaded by their record label to release the planned double album as two separate albums, Eloy completed the project which started with "Planets" with this collection. Between the two releases, drummer Jim McGillivray ended his short stay with the band, being replaced by the returning Fritz Randow. "Time to turn" was good for Eloy commercially in that it contained a minor hit single of the same name. This led to increased interest in the album at a time when Eloy were finding it hard to maintain interest in the band.

As "Time to turn" opens, it seems that Jean Michel Jarre may have joined the line up, the melodic synthesiser which greets us suggesting a shift in style for the band. Soon though, the vocals assure us that all is as it should be. "Through a summer galaxy" makes for a vibrant start, with some fine multi-part lead guitar and an infectious rhythm. If anything, the synth bursts move towards a commercial sound, but this is a fine Eloy number by any standard.

On the other hand, "Behind the walls of imagination" is something of a plodder, well performed but generally prosaic. Things get back on track though with the title song, an obvious choice for single release. The strong pop rhythm is reminiscent of "Another brick in the wall" (we even have a children's chorus here too), with multi-tracked harmonies and ear- piercing synths all contributing to an instantly appealing song. "Magic mirrors" is a pretty straightforward rock number with a strong beat, but it lacks anything likely to captivate the listener apart from a pleasant synth outro.

The feature track on the album is the 9½ minute "End of an odyssey". The extra length allows the band a bit more space to elaborate on the themes. The opening section in particular has some fine synth colours accompanied only by drums. This section reminds me of Ken Hensley's fine solo on the "Live 1973" version of Uriah Heep's "Gypsy". The vocal section in itself is adequate, but as a part of the whole it works well.

The album closes with a couple of shorter songs,intended to wind up the story. "The flash" has a bit of a Genesis feel ("The knife" perhaps), while "Say, is it really true" features some nice acoustic guitar and spacey effects.

In all, an excellent album from Eloy. There's no doubt there are a couple of dips along the way, but overall the music here is highly satisfying.

Incidentally, in the UK, this album and the previous "Planets" were graced with fine new sleeve illustrations by the renown artist Rodney Matthews.

Share this ELOY review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#297292)
• Buy ELOY music online with PA partners
• Show all ELOY MP3/Stream
• Go to ELOY page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Time to Turn page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ELOY related discussions