TRISTAN PARK - A PLACE INSIDE - 1995

Tristan Park aren't unique in what they do - their brand of prog hews closely to the likes of IQ, Pendragon, Marillion, et al. They actually make me think more of Egdon Heath, with Chuck Dyac vocals deep and rich at times, and unlike either Hogarth or Barrett's (or Fish's for that matter). Which isn't to suggest that Dyac has the best vocals in the genre, because there are times that they fall short.

What sets Tristan Park apart from their brethren is the inclusion of a brass section, giving them a jazzy feel; it is the trumpet on "In Your Possession" that sets this apart from typical neo-prog fair. Perhaps because of the trumpets, saxophones, flugelhorns, etc., there is an extra spark here in the music; that and the varied sonic textures here. Of course, there are keyboard swirls right out of mid-period Marillion, guitar playing like Rothery (and so like Hackett, too), symbols effects like Mosley - and yet, very much unlike Marillion.

The instrumental "A Well Lit Place" is beautiful and haunting, a gentle keyboard and trumpet piece and one of my favourites from the album. This leads into "Risking It All" which made me think of "Uncertain Weather" from Genesis' recent Calling All Stations

Comparisons aside, this is a really good album, though if you are steadfast to the classic-Yes/ELP-like progressive, you won't like Tristan Park. But for me, progessive or not, I like Tristan Park.
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