ATLANTIS

Earth And Fire´s third album gave the impression of a very good rock band trying hard to produce a progressive work. To me they did not quite suceed, although Atlantis is not a failure either. The side long suite for instance is an interesing step forward in their career and quite ambitious. It still feels like a bunch of songs put together, but it did work better here than on their previous one, the much more praised Song Of The Marching Children. the concept was new then, and would be explored a lot in the future by several bands (including Eloy in their succesful Ocean, of 1977). It´s nice, it has all the right elements, but again the feeling is that of the band did not have the maturity or skills to produce such demanding opus, specially considering the competition at the time (Yes, Genesis, ELP).

They did not forsake their pop past, as stuff like Maybe Tomorrow, Maybe Tonight leaves little doubt about it. still, the symphonic prog feeling is all around and you have to appaluse their efford. Even that track has a different middle part as to prove thier decision to sound ´serious´ or something like that. Fanfarre and the instrumental Interlude are clearly other attempts to sound more avant guard, but not exactly better than they were before, if you know what I mean. Even the acoustic Love, Please Close The Door is drenched with mellotrons and variations, and still don´t quite work as it should.

Conclusion: good, but not essential in any way. 3 stars.