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This
is the third album from the British progband Tantalus and I have to say
that it’s a bull’s eye. The previous albums were not yet unanimously
accepted by the press, but “Lumen et Caligo” can be considered as one of
the highlights of 2002. It’s also another proof that the British
progressive rock is making a come back.
This
album lies somewhere between melodic progressive rock and neo-prog, with
a few snatches of progmetal and even some alternative rock. This means
that there are a lot of possible references for this band, which doesn’t
mean that they are recycling material.
“Lumen et Caligo” is the first part of two albums and the second part
will be released later this year. For this CD they called on
singer/songwriter Nicky James, known from his presence in the seventies
with bands as The Moody Blues and The Move. Their collaboration resulted
in a brilliant interpretation of the classic “Black Dreams”.
As
far as I’m concerned, this album represents the birth of the next Moody
Blues or Pink Floyd…they really are on par with those artists and it's
about time that the world saw bands like it again” - Nicky James
The
first track on the CD, “While There’s Still Time”, is actually an
extension of the final track “Now’s The Time” on Jubal. They added some
modern synthesizer sounds, a strong dance beat and a bunch of less usual
instruments, as there are the accordion and a dulcimer. The start of the
song has an Alan Parsons Project feeling, starting with a jig, but after
90 seconds there’s some ELP keyboards coming up, after which the whole
sound evolves to a nice sounding song. (with some good vocal structures
by Bob Leek). It’s a song with a lot of variation and the middle part
contains some superb guitars and a folky intermezzo.
The
quiet track “Eyes” is clearly less complex and more pop oriented. Again
it has some strong vocals that are very catchy with a clear wink to the
rock-scene of today.
This is
one of the 3 songs, written by Bob Leek, which gives the album an extra
dimension compared to their earlier works.
“Raining On The Parade” bathes in progressive water again, an
interesting succession of guitar and keyboards during a long intro,
which changes suddenly in some very quiet but beautiful vocal parts. The
piano gives a very special feeling to this song, the switching between
the quiet and dynamic parts is impressive.
“Harp
Dance/Dig the Sod” is something between Mostly Autumn and Pink Floyd.
It’s a melodic, instrumental, folky song, with a medieval sound in the
beginning, created by the alt recorder, after which there’s a dreamy
guitar solo. (Camel)
There’s some pure neo-progressive rock in “Fingerpainting” as it ripples
on, but it still has a very recognizable chorus. This track creates a
very special sphere because of the ambient synth-sounds, the beautiful
guitar solo and the ‘erotic’ lyrics.
“On
Dr. Syntax’s Head” is completely in the style of the Swedish band Cross,
a rather threatening track with heavy guitars and intriguing keyboards.
The band calls it “controlled disharmony” and that is how it sounds.
Immediately after this track full of energy, there’s a sharp contrast
with an acoustic “Shhhh! We’re Sleeping”, a nice rest on the album and
the proof of the musical skills of singer Bob Leek.
It’s
a typical progressive track in ‘Grand Stand’ style with superb guitars,
the obligatory rhythm changes and keyboard solos that remind me of the
better UK. After some beautiful solos, there’s an acoustic folky
intermezzo again (Oldfield?), to end the song in pure 'Gilmoure' style.
Impressive!
“Dancing on eggshells” is a nice track to listen to (80’s) with again a
splitting guitar solo, one of the most remarkable elements of the band.
The
CD finishes with “Black Dreams”; the 70’s song from Nicky James that
sounds very modern. Again, there are some splendid vocals and a nice
guitar solo.
It
must be obvious by now: this is a superb album from a band, that has
found the perfect mix between melodic rock and neo-progressive rock. I
can’t wait to hear the second part of this project.
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