AN INVITATION TO RACHEL'S BIRTHDAY

The first thing when somebody crosses with this album is the strange cover art of the album. Rachel's Birthay is the name of the band from Germany with thir one and only studio album released in 1996 named An Invitation To Rachel's Birthday, issue by famous labele Musis is Intelligence. Well I might say I was impressed big time by the music offered here, is kinda hard to say in what direction they got in the end, but the album is full of great pieces and fenomenala musicianship and ideas. What strikes me every time I hear this album is the great amount of fabulous and jaw dropping vocal passages, Ralf Glasbrenner is one hell of a great vocalist who knew to deliver some very strong moments. He is very much in vein of Roger Waters who has that kind of theatrical narrative style, most of the passages remind me a lot of The wall album and that kind of voice, aswell some Fish influence here and there. The music is top notch, quite original going from neo prog elements combined with more symphonic ones, some almost neo prog metal on Philosophy, eclectic instrumental parts that are very complex and very well performed, specially on the longest track of the album Waves, beautiful complicated prog pieces. Aswell, the instrumental sections goes from dramatic parts to more heavier passages or light depending of the mood pf the tune, but always keeping the high level. The interludes between musicians is great, specially some very strong guitar and keyboards parts. The music is varied, well performed and has all the ingredients to be a fully pleasent ride for the listner. So, all in all, no weak moments on this little treasure, very demanding album that needs a far better view, don't judge the album (book) by it's cover, that is for sure, is a famous saying that fits here very well. 4 stars easy, great and yet totaly unkown in prog circles.