CLOSE YOUR EYES (FORGET THE WORLD)

An instrumental UK Space Rock BAND,Ship of fools were formed in 1992 by guitarist Andy Banks,a bassist nicknamed Sputnik,ex-1919 drummer Mick Reed and two keyboardists: Damien Clarke and Les Smith,better known for his work later with black metallers Cradle of Filth and psych/prog rockers Anathema.Soon after they were formed Ship of Fools debuted with ''Close Your Eyes (Forget the World)'' on the Dreamtime label.

Heavily influenced by bands like PINK FLOYD,DJAM KARET and OZRIC TENTACLES,Ship of fools deliver nice Space Rock with prog touches like on the opener ''In the wake of...'',where guitars have an Ethnic edge and are mixed with hypnotic synths and programmed flutes.''Where is here?'' is dominated by atmospheric synths all the way under a catchy repetitive rhythm with guitars supporting,while ''Passage by night'' is more of the same,but with some great organ added.''L=Sd2'' is fantastic with nice guitar work,good breaks and superb floating synths,followed by ''S.O.L. '93'',where sampled flutes appear again along with distorted spacey guitars and atmospheric electronics in a very Eastern-influenced mood.''Star jumper'' has a more intense and accesible rhythm with the groovy drumming being this time noticed,while the guitar work is more melodic and the synths have a more supporting role.On ''Western lands'' the flute work shines through along with the acoustic guitars in the beginning,while the track maintains a strong Meditterenean feeling till the end due to the strong doses of accordion thrown in.Even some grandiose symphonic synths appear here,this track is absolutely great.The eponymous closing cut is the longer as well.Opening with an Ambient/Ethnic feeling with flutes and percussion,it soon follows a very spacey groove with background keys and constant appearances of ethnic instrumentation.

This album is good.It is nowhere near the hypnotic stuff offered by other bands of the genre and the combination of Space Rock with a fair amount of Ethnic hints is satisfying.Fans of the aforementioned bands should check this out.Overall ''Close Your Eyes (Forget the World)'' comes warmly recommended.