PHOENIX

This German band from the eighties is a real gem for lovers of melodic, symphonic prog in the vein of RENAISSANCE. And this time the comparison is not just the obvious cliche that is so common with prog bands featuring a female vocalist. There's an elegant classical touch in the music especially in keyboards, and Marion Weldert is a wonderful singer, not very far in sound from Annie Haslam. Folk influences are not very direct, it all comes in a certain innocence and open-mindedness. Other good comparisons are less famous, such as German CAROL OF HARVEST whose eponymous album preceded this by four years. I read that Rebekka was founded already in 1977, it seems strange that it got so long to get to an album. But surely those years add to the maturity in playing and composition.

The longish songs flow smoothly like CAMEL, there are gorgeous guitar solos and flute parts. Perfect balance between instrumental richness and vocal approach. I don't know how the band was received at the time, the horrible early eighties, but who cares?! Just think of Renaissance for example, what kind of poor pop they were doing at this time. This group didn't try in the least bit to sound contemporary; the music falls into the classic symphonic prog that flourished many years earlier. Maybe also YES in their most harmonic and delicate style could be mentioned. This is music that just wraps me gently inside its beauty. I can't find any notable faults. Even the production is very good. I think I'll be bold enough to give the full rating to break the four-star consencus of preceding praises here. Believe me, if you enjoy melodic symphonic prog à la Renaissance and Camel, you'll be charmed by this one!