TIME TO TURN

Originally intended to form a double LP with Planets, also this album sticks to the known post-78 Eloy formula. The recipe: take APP songwriting and arrangements, spice up with an extra layer of spacey synths, and then spoil all potential by adding inadequate vocals.

No beating around the bush with intros this time. Right from the start Eloy head off with one of their better tracks. Through a somber Galaxy is a nice rock song, inspired by PF's Wall and with an excellent bass riff. Also Behind the Walls of Imagination is interesting, mainly for its nice staggering rhythm and lush synth carpet. The vocals are not too disturbing and the melodies are quite memorable. And also Time to Run is a track where the APP formula works out well.

As usual, Eloy albums fall flat after the first couple of decent tracks. Magic Mirrors for instance is too average. The chorus is nicely new wave but the cliché key-change during the break is so old-school. End of an Odysey is an epic that is acceptable and at the same time cliché and unexciting. Two inferior tracks finish an album that started well but ends like a deflating balloon. Despite a strong start, only 2.5 stars.