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Waves is the third album of this Canadian progressive AOR-band, a
bit amazing for a group that was founded already in 1977. In the
beginning they played essentially covers of Yes, Genesis and Gentle
Giant, after a temporary split they released two relatively
successful albums in the nineties, where after once again they got
out of the picture. And on this album they are faithful to their
roots, progressive sounds by using excessively keyboards, nice
guitar solos, melodic AOR with typical harmony vocals and catchy
refrains and a tight rhythm section as crowning piece.
These guys have a lot of favourite bands in very different musical
styles, the variation of the tracks on this album are a perfect
illustration of it. ‘Waves of emotion’ is the most progressive piece
(on their own site they speak of a Floydian slip), but especially
the closer ‘Fly Away’ has after a seamlessly flat introduction a
sizzling finish, truly a teaser for many Camel and Pink Floyd fans.
Nevertheless AOR remains the basis, apparently they have mixed their
former British influences with an American flavour. ‘Breath away’
rocks like Steely Dan in their best period, ‘Young at Heart’ is a
sweet but beautiful acoustic ballad, referring at The Eagles or even
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, on ‘One Last Time’ John Persichini
sings like Dennis De Young of Styx.
There are also some influences of Kansas (‘Bridges’) the drum
introduction of Things to Come reminds of the better days of Van
Halen. In a nutshell, this is high quality melodic hard and despite
the many references Lightspeed has its own sound and they have
certainly outgrown their status of a cover band. The opening track
‘Peak Fires’ is a perfect example, a synthesis of the bands’ music.
Hopefully Rod Chapell, responsible for the music, remains inspired
the following years, I am sure we can expect other good things from
over the ocean. |
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John Persichini : lead vocals
Gene Murray : guitars
Gary Chappell : kayboards, vocals
Terry Crawford : drums, vocals
Rod Chappell : bass, vocals |
