IF

I like this album. In fact, I like it a lot! This is my first real introduction to the music of Glass Hammer. I mean, this is first time I've heard an album by them in its entirety. Well produced and a great vocalist. The obvious vocal influence is Jon Anderson of Yes, but I'm also reminded of the first vocalist in the Quebecois band Hamadryad - Jocelyn Beaulieu and a bit of Benoit David(new vocalist of Yes). So, the vocalist does have a range that is not a carbon copy of Jon Anderson. If there is criticism of Jon Anderson- cloning; it's unwarranted. The first track _Beyond Within_ is standard modern prog. in the vein of Spock's Beard and Big Big Train. Very good. The album really takes off with _Behold, The Ziddle_. Wonderful keyboard work. _If The Stars_ is the big highlight here with some asian influences. Almost sounds like it could've been a highlight on the Yes album Going For The One. Some keyboard sounds a la Anglagard- style pop up here and there. The dreamy conclusion with the 24 minute _If The Sun_, and I really mean dreamy. Keyboards have a Kerry Minnear-like tone to them and maybe a little Kansas. One of the few long players from a modern prog.band that held my attention the entire time. Great epic, and I don't say that often about the new ones. Recommended release for 2010. Fans of Yes's Keys To Ascension, Talk, The Ladder and Magnification; as well as bands such as Hamadryad, Big Big Train and Canadian band Mystery would really enjoy this.