CANTUS FIRMUS

Wow! I am just now finishing up my second listen to this great CD and may put it on again after this. This is the second offering from Advent, a New Jersey based symphonic rock band, although I understand the first CD may difficult to come by.

The first impression is that these guys are really influenced by Gentle Giant. Upon future review while that is very true in the vocals I find the music to be more inspired by Genesis, Jethro Tull and movie soundtracks as well as English Folk music. These guys are tight and play some great sweeping passages, somber reflective moments to lively rock moments. Starting off the CD with an great acapella vocal with a nod to GG is GK Contramundam that moves into a work called Awaiting the Call that reminds me of After the Ordeal by Genesis. They do this seamlessly with precision and mastery over and over again throughout the CD. Henry and Mark Ptak on keyboards do a great job of mixing sounds and styles. Alan Benjamin plays all the Basses and Guitars and reminds me of Steve Hackett in his guitar parts. Drew Sicilano rounds out the quartet with a great job on drums and percussion. He an Alan really hold it all together. The vocals, Henry and Mark Patak, are very good as well, the harmonies incredibly tight and well sung without straining.

The CD comes with two bonus songs from the first CD released in 1992 and remastered here. These two tracks are amazing in my mind. I can't wait to hear more from this group.

I am thinking anyone who fancies himself as a Symphonic Rock fan, Prog Folk or Genesis and Gentle Giant will find this a very good listen. 4 stars.