CATATONIA

This is the third album from Salem Hill, and was the album prior to 'Robbery Of Murder', which is the one that shot them into recognition in the UK. Their first two albums ('Salem Hill' and 'Different Worlds') have also been released by Cyclops in the UK as limited editions, but I have yet to hear these. Carl Groves re-recorded some of the keyboard lines that he wasn't happy with and this version has also been remixed and given new artwork.

Salem Hill are one of the most exciting prog bands to come out of the States and this album roves it quite plainly. The songs are both simple and highly complex, the music is intricate yet accessible, the lyrics convoluted but easily understandable. They may be more rock based than many of their contemporaries, but they never cross the boundary into hard rock. While Carl Groves is very much the leader (vocals, guitar, keys, all of the lyrics and most of the music) neither Pat Henry (bass) and Kevin Thomas (drums, vocals) are bit players and they are key to the overall sound. It may not have quite the immediate impact of 'Robbery Of Murder' this is an album that I have already played many times and I am sure that I will be doing so again in the future.

Originally appeared in Feedback #65, Dec 01