Moments Live is already the ninth (!) product of the Swiss foursome Sisyphos. In order to introduce newcomer keyboard player Peter Scheidegger we note no fewer than four compositions from his hand, each single one of them bathing in a sea of analogue keys emphasizing on Hammond, mellotron and, clavinet. Especially the Hammond has always been a much loved instrument in the world of rock music and the music of Sisyphos can certainly be called undiluted rock music where obviously enough room is reserved for Scheidegger. The record has the misleading title of Moments Live because the only thing that is live is the fact that it has been recorded live in a studio, thus guaranteeing no overdubs. The result sounds well oiled and tight, which fits this kind of music perfectly. "Some Days In Spain" sounds a lot like, where atmosphere and build up is concerned, The Police, but with the almighty Hammond all over the place. Then again "The Face" is more of a classic bringing to mind names like The Nice, Sixty Nine and McChurch Soundroom: very complex and with lots of mellotron. In "Absurd Thought" I hear a cross between Spock's Beard and Cliffhanger with playful (again) Hammond interventions. It's mainly the tight drumming of Boris Bόehler keeping it all together resulting in the kind of music which will be loved both by the prog purist and the "ordinary" rock lover. The album ends with the Canterbury inspired "Parents," a song where weird vocals and thin guitar go hand in hand. Positively refreshing! Reviewed by : John 'Bobo' Bollenberg |
