AN OUTCAST OF THE ISLANDS

This album is very relaxing and it resembles the music of Camel as well as Pink Floyd in a happier mood, I guess. Colin Bass seems so familiar with my country which comprises many islands (thousands!) and it is shown with its opening track "Macassar" which is actually the name of our cities in Sulawesi. The opening part resembles the combination of gamelan sounds using keyboard and excellent guitar work by his colleague at Camel: Andrew Latimer. The music is quite stable as it contains little tempo or style changes. If you are a Camel fan, you would definitely like this opening track. The second track "As Far As I Can See" is less upbeat than the opening track and vocal (by Colin Bass) is added with this track. It's a relaxing music with good acoustic guitar rhythm. "First Quartet" is Colin Bass' exploration of string quartet music played by Members of the Poznah Philharmonic Orchestra, arranged by Kim Burton. It's a nice classical music outfit.

"Goodbye To Albion" bring Latimer backs on track with his a bit Floydian guitar style, performed in relatively upbeat tempo with Colin Bass vocal. Oh by the way, vocal quality wise, his voice resembles Camel's vocal or in a way, sometimes, similar to Steve Hackett's voice. It's not that excellent but it's not bad. The voice seems too flat for my taste. "Stratis of Malacca" has special meaning for me - not the song - as it was the place where I started my career as Off-shore Hook-Up Engineer installing two platforms of the oil companies. Unfortunately at the time I was not aware of this track. This track has aggressive guitar work by Latimer and it's heavier than previous tracks. "Aissa" is to me like a jazz improvisation outfit with good bass lines.

"Denpasar Moon"! Oh who the hell in my country has never heard this song? It was very popular in the seventies as it was sung by an artist (singer) Maribeth and became radio hits everywhere in the country. There is not much different with the Maribeth version except that this one is less energetic. It's probably the limit of Colin Bass high register notes. "The Second Quartet" continues the string work. "No Way Back" is a straight rocker with good guitar work. This time Szymon Brezzizki plays the lead guitar. "Holding Out My Hand" brings back Camel sound with the appearance of Andrew Latimer on lead guitar. "Outcast" is another string quartet outfit.

Overall, the music is a blend of pop with Camel-like composition. This album would favor those who like Camel music. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW