SKELLIG

To implement Polish lyrics is a courageous act and sounds unusual. When thinking in terms of prog, Mirek Gil offers songs here which are a tad more mainstream infiltrated than his other work. Musicianship is excellent beyond doubt, the compositions though are relatively simple and sometimes lack of lushness - one reason is that keyboards are totally missing. Of course Mr. Gil is more present on the other hand with multiple overdubbed guitars, often acoustic which serves a folk feeling here and there.

The album is well wrapped up by the best exemplars so to say. They start with the title track which could be easily taken for a Believe song too ... unless you notice that Karol Wroblewski sings in native language. Melancholy based on repetitive melodic patterns - well done, crowned by his impressive voice as usual. Czas I Ja starts relaxed, but then suddenly explodes where Mirek shines with several guitar layers and proves his exceptional talent. So the bands rocks really, based on a heavier attitude - an impressing finale. And the second half of Odmieniec is decorated with a long instrumental excursion which is quite nice. The other songs are halfway decent only in my opinion, this impression does not change after several listening sessions.

Dead battery? 'Skellig' is quite modest in its entirety, compared to his other work with Satellite, Collage aso. I have listened to Believe's convincing new album 'World Is Round' intensively before and I'm under the impression now, that Mirek Gill introduces some weaker compositions from his huge collection here. This can't really thrill me - less prog substance - more straightforward arrangements. Anyhow, still a proper album comprising some nice songs ... something for fans and collectors in any case. I only recommend to adhere to the aforementioned bands first before plunging into this.