OUT THERE

This album remarks the return of Rick's early work like "Journey" or "Arthur". This time it's much electronic as compared to early works but the style and composition resemble the roots of classic Rick Wakeman music. The key characteristic of the music comprises pulsating keyboard solo combined with dynamic drumming of Tony Fernandez - long time contributor of Rick's albums. Damian Wilson sings perfectly in this album. I don't know is it a coincidence or an influence the music offered is somewhat similar with Ayreon music like "Into The Electric Castle" or "Human Equation".

All tracks featured here are truly excellent ones. It starts off with "Out There" which represents a true prog rocker with dazzling keyboard / synthesizer solos. The ambient opening with a sort of eastern nuance followed with a blast of dynamic music that moves in upbeat and energetic style. If you love Rick's previous work it's hard to deny that you love this track wholeheartedly. Oh the keyboard solo and powerful vocal are really interesting. The song contains style and tempo changes with distant narration of outer space sounds. "The Mission" continues the musical stream and a bit groovy style with nice keyboard punches augmented with mellotron and guitar rhythm. Again, Damian Wilson sings excellently throughout the track. Track three "To Be With You" is a pop song with programmed rhythm section overlaid with long sustain organ sounds. It's an accessible and enjoyable track.

"Universe of Sound" brings the music into a fast tempo upbeat style. It's a rocker with excellent guitar work and energetic singing style. It reminds me to the style of "Silent Nights" music. "Music of Love" is another great prog rocker with stunning combined work of guitar (by Ant Glynne) and keyboard. It rocks! "Cathedral of The Sky" concludes the album with a soaring Church organ sounds played with wonderful chords. Bravo Wakeman! The bass lines enter the music dynamically and gives the organ to soar in higher notes follower with choir by English Chamber Choir. What a wonderful opening! The rest is a well composed song with great harmony. It reminds me to the "Six Wives of Henry VIII" album by Rick.

Overall it remarks the true return of Rick to his glory days of seventies when he successfully composed "Journey", "No earthly Connection" or "King Arthur" or "Six Wives of Henry VIII". Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW