STARCASTLE

One of the more unjustly reveiled prog rock bands, STARCASTLE is that band that I'd recommend highly if you like YES and don't mind a band copying their sound. STARCASTLE came from Champagne-Urbana, Illinois, same place as REO Speedwagon. In fact REO's original vocalist Terry Luttrell was STARCASTLE's vocalist as well. STARCASTLE consisted of Luttrell, keyboardist Herb Schildt, bassist Gary Strater, drummer Stephen Tassler, guitarist Matthew Stewart, and guitarist Stephen Hagler. Tassler used roto-toms, Strater used a Rickenbacker bass, and Herb Schildt used Mini Moog and Hammond organ.

The album opens up with "Lady of the Lake", complete with Steve HOWE-like guitars and Rick WAKEMAN-like organ, you might think you're listening to a lost Yes recording. The vocal harmonies, not to mention Luttrell's ANDERSON-like vocals is very much like YES. And that YES-like sound is obvious with songs like "Elliptical Seasons", "Forces", and "Sunfield". "Sunfield" oddly reminds me of something off "Tormato", although that album wouldn't even see the light of day for two more years. "To the Fire Wind" has vocal harmonies in one passage that's more like CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG than YES (probably to show that YES' vocal harmonies were influenced by CSNY). There are also a couple instrumental pieces as well too. Definately underappreciated prog rock, but given the label this band was on (Epic Records), it could have been a lot worse. So if you don't mind a band cloning YES, get this, if you can't stand that idea, avoid.