HYBRID - CHASING THE DREAM - 1997

The CD begins quietly, but very quickly the music, accompanied by a driving beat, swells to introduce the first track, 'Great Institutions' (3.42), a rocky, upbeat number.

'Atlantis' (6.43) starts calmly with the vocals supported by a sparse framework of music - I find the vocal delivery and the style of song of this and some of the other tracks somewhat reminiscent of the music on Adam Wakeman's solo CD 'Soliloquy'. These quieter sections alternate with more up tempo and instrumentally stronger passages that, always returning to the more sombre feel that compliments the lyrics.

The next five tracks are collectively known as 'Dreaming', starting with an instrumental piece, 'Disconnected' (3.56). A brash, heavy feel, featuring Salmon's pounding basswork, dissolves into a light keyboard sector (think of the Enid). Then the instrumentation builds, gradually reverting to the heavier sound that began the piece.

'Falling Down' (3.53) is another gently subtle number and leads straight into the more upbeat 'Wild Idea' (2.51) with its changes of pace. 'Falling Apart' (2.24) centres around the vocal and piano accompaniment ... a great song ... my favourite off of this album.

'Dreamin Of Sanity' (7.17) is the last part of this apic. It's more up tempo with a strong keyboard presence in its long instrumental sections.

A calm serenity pervades 'Time To Rest' (5.52) and the sweet tones instrumentation has a hypnotic cyclical feel beneath the subdued vocals.

In contrast, 'Balance Of Power' (4.13) is a fast moving rockier number - the album title comes from this song. The rockier feel is also evident in 'Journey's End' (5.48), but here alternated with softer passages containing some nice multi layered vocals.

Finally, 'Parellel Lines' (3.10) is another slower song. Higlights are provided by some wonderful guitar work from Ian Salmon.

This is an album of well written songs, all of which share an intensity that causes a certain tension that gives the sound an edge. The restrained keyboard work throughout the CD does not suffer from neo prog excess, rather it adapts and suits itself to each piece of music. All in all, a fine album.