RETREAT

There was still some room for Progressive Rock music in Germany during the 80's as history prooved with the case of Rousseau, who's album ''Flower in Asphalt'' received decent radio airplay and press feedback, leading the band to several live shows.However Jörg Schwarz decided to leave the band in 1981 and he was replaced by Christoph Masbaum.In 1983 Rousseau entered the Spygel Studios in Kirchheim and recorded their sophomore album ''Retreat'', which was released on the obscure Sri Lanca label.They were joined also by Herbert Ruppik, who contributed vocals in a few songs.

Musically Rousseau insisted on playing melodic Progressive Rock with blinks in the Symphonic Rock movement of the 70's, which was the band's biggest inspiration.The biggest difference to ''Flower in Asphalt'' was certainly the addition of some vocal tracks among the familiar instrumental ones, which were more easy-listening, still maintaining the symphonic leanings and generally the artistic value of their music.The biggest influence of the group remains the mid-70's period CAMEL.The ten short tracks of the album alternate between melodic guitar hooks, twisting flutes and dreamy keyboard textures along the lines of Andy Latimer and Peter Bardens.The musicianship is very strong, I think it lacks some of killer instrumental ideas and the highly impressive interplays of the debut, but there are still some nice arrangements to be found here with deep melodic content, while Huster and Masbaum offer a fair dose of light interplays with their flute and guitars.Huster is also responsible for some of the ethereal acoustic parts delivered in the album.

Another strong work by this German group.Not exactly in the same level as their debut, but still there are little chances to find a much better Prog effort from 1983.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.