TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC

This is a very significant record, coming out the same year as "Script For A Jesters Tear" by MARILLION. Prog was not dead ! I really like Martin Orford's keyboard playing on this album and also the fact he uses mellotron on four of the five tracks (he didn't use it on the short instrumental). The star for me though is Peter Nicholls. I have liked his voice from the first time I heard it. This record sounds a little rough at times but as I said in the intro this is truly an important album. I also unlike most prefer it to "Script...".

The record begins with the almost 20 minute epic "The Last Human Gateway" which I feel is the best track on the album. It's very laid back to open and then we hear for the first time Peter's vocals.Suddenly everything is alright in the world. Synths come in followed by drums as the song gets fuller and more passionate. Great sound 5 1/2 minutes in. Orford is all over this. It settles 8 minutes in as mellotron flows. Beautiful acoustic guitar 9 1/2 minutes in, then vocals join in. It kicks in with synths a minute later. Electric guitar 11 1/2 minutes in as synths continue to swirl. The tempo continues to change. Some ripping guitar around 17 minutes. Love when the vocals return, so moving. Mellotron is back too. Yes everything is right in the world. "Through The Corridors" really hits the road running. This is a short guitar led tune. It's okay.

"Awake And Nervous" begins with pulsating synths as drums join in. Great sound. Mellotron before 1 1/2 minutes then vocals. Nice.This moves me. Great track ! Then we have the short, piano laden instrumental. Next up is the closer "The Enemy Smacks". This is a dark song about heroin addiction. This song has a bit of an edge, featuring some organ and guitar and of course keyboards aplenty. There is also a real nice extended guitar solo, and the vocals don't disappoint. I like the calm before 10 1/2 minutes with floating organ and spacey winds.The bonus track "Just Changing Hands" features Mike playing a surprisingly heavy guitar solo, and some more great guitar work later on as well. Martin shows that yes he can play the keyboards (haha).

I really feel that this record and "Script For A Jesters Tear" are must haves for their significance in Prog history. The three long songs on this album are incredible.