IN THE REGION OF THE SUMMER STARS (1984)

This is one of those few albums that I would say is actually perfect in all respects. Robert John Godfrey turned his back on a career as a concert pianist to pursue a 'rock' career, and I'm glad he did. Since 1976, The Enid have given us a number of excellent albums, but this, their debut, has to be their best. This instrumental album plays out like a classical work, mixing real orchestrations with rock guitar, drums and synth. The lead guitar work of Francis Likerish is second to none, and sits very comfortably alongside the classical influences and references (listen out for variations on Deus Irae & Ravels Bolero) The music builds and subsides, throughout. Some pieces flow into one another and some don't, but overall there is a wonderful sense of continuity and flow which contributes towards this being one of the most atmospheric, melancholic and dramatic prog works I have ever heard.

There are no low points at all IMO, but in pointing out the absolute hi-lights, I would have to say that the opening 'Fool' and 'Tower of Babel' set the scene perfectly; with ambient water sounds and grand piano, giving way to a harder edged and dramatic, yet measured, rock feel for 'Tower of Babel' 'The Loved Ones' is a soft evocative piano dominated piece, leading into the darker half of the album, where the music moves away from the melancholic and more towards the sinister, through tracks like 'The Demon King' and 'Judgement'

The CD is actually a re-make of the original album. Legal problems with their old record label left Godfrey & co having to re-record the drums, and various other parts in the early 80's. I have never heard the original album, and I'm profoundly jealous of anyone who has. This re-make however is superb and highly recommended for all lovers of symphonic prog. I've not heard much better than this to be honest.