ORBITAL

Rather good one from these Venezuelans whose primary influence seems to be fellow countrymen Gerardo Ubieda and Témpano but also showing symptoms of mid-period Rush, U.K., the catchy romance-rock of Journey, a notable DT coloration, and sometimes reminds of Andy Tillison's Tangent who formed around the same time. Fairly ambitious for a debut but still with plenty of maturing left to do, PFotM do a perfectly fine job here. Little if any new musical ground is explored but the players' chemistry is excellent and the vocals tolerable, often good, and that counts. 'Awaken From Reality' is huge and varied, a bit scattered in theme but getting there with plenty of heavy guitar/keyboard volleys from Salomon Lerner and the Sosa/Ivanov twin attack. 'Genesis' better and more succinct with strong melodies, a firm direction and an engaging piano break. Strange adventures turn to useless syrup in 'I Lost My Wings' ended with a nice Schon/Perry-style flourish, difficult and cumbersome but very good five-parter 'The Queen Maibe' sees a few great passages, and sci-fi sweeper 'Return of the Rain' a thematic reprise. Three stars is just about right for this first album; it whets the appetite, and is one this extended trio can be proud of.