THE LOST FRONTIER

Well, 16 tracks, performed by 14 musicians and a running time of 71 minutes, that sounds interesting. This is the debut album (1996) from the French band XII Alfonso, the inspiration is from the Hadrian Wall that was build in Northern England during the Roman Empire. Their music reminds me of the acoustic side from Anthony Phillips and the folky climates from Iona (female vocals and bagpipes), blended with delicate waves by Stephane Merlin and .. Mickey Simmonds (once from Camel fame). Most compositions are mellow but some up-tempo songs (including strong soli on electric guitar) and a wide range of instruments gives this CD a pleasant and very melodic sound.