MAINHORSE

Of most interest to Prog fans is probably that Patrick Moraz is playing organ on this album.The guy is flat out amazing, no doubt about that. I really like the guitar on this one too.This is a fairly heavy rocking album from Switzerland and I agree with Hugues that the album cover is pretty bad.

"Introduction" opens with Moraz establishing his presence right away. Man he simply lights it up on the organ here. We do get some ripping guitar at times as well. An uptempo rocker to start. They slow it down for "Passing Years" with floating organ and reserved vocals. A laid back tune with light drums and bass. It does get a little fuller with guitar and piano.

"Such A Beautiful Day" opens with a drum solo then this fuzzed out guitar before vocals and the 60's sounding backing vocals arrive.The guitar and organ come to the fore when the vocals stop.When the vocals return the tempo picks up. Contrasts continue between the vocal and non-vocal sections. "Pale Sky" kicks in with drums, organ and guitar just before a minute. Reserved vocals follow as it settles.The drums and guitar lead before 3 minutes and we get some violin too before 6 minutes. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. "Basia" is my favourite track. It's uptempo with strummed guitar, bass, organ and drums.Vocal melodies then vocals join in. Piano 2 minutes. Guitar after 3 1/2 minutes then that earlier uptempo soundscape returns.

"More Tea Vicar" opens with organ then it settles into a loungy mood. It's building and guitar comes in before 1 1/2 minutes with organ, bass and drums. "God" like "Pale Sky" is over 10 minutes long. It's experimental to start before it kicks in with the guitar outfront before 2 minutes.Vocals before 4 minutes. Is that fuzzed out keys before 6 minutes? Vocals are back. It speeds up during the final minute then ends with an explosion.

A definite heavy organ / guitar album with a strong Proto-Prog flavour.The sound quality is typical from this period I suppose, kind of muddy. 3.5 stars.