THE INCONSOLABLE SECRET

This seems to have got a bit of a bad rap. GH were always a very consistent symph prog band if a little 'safe' in their approach but here they decide to extend their music over a two CD format.THe first CD is the 'safe' approach with 2 tracks and crowd pleasing keyboard based prog. However there is one big important difference - Matt Mendians behind the drum kit. Previously Fred Schendel has doubled up on keyboards and drums but here he concentrates just on keyboards. This is a very positive thing as Mendians is an absolute beast behind the kit and extends GH into areas of symph prog that few are capable of. All the hooks are there and this is an absolute treat for those brought up on ELP and Yes. Faultless 40 minutes.

The 'problem' quite clearly lies with CD2. Here the music goes off in all sorts of mad wanderings to medieval folk wimsy and orchestrated sections. This could be interprted as padding but the beauty of this is the mood created. You are transported to some dark fairy tale where knights jowst and pretty maidens are in abundance. Stunningly different from anything GH have done before (or since for that matter). A bold move that deserves praise and I feel it pays off. Your imagination is allowed to wander. OK its not symph prog at times but that doesn't concern those who wax lyrical about Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. This is similar conceptually in a way although musically very different.The second disc represents an adventure and for me is just as beautifull as anything GH have ever done.

I am happy to award 5 stars for this. Just needs a little time to appreciate and I am so glad I didn't just jump in and review it on release but waited an appropriate amount of time.