CASTANARC - JOURNEY TO THE EAST - 1984

Castanarc biography
Obscure neo-proggers from the UK mid-80's scene, CASTANARC only stuck it out for four albums. The sound is a mixture of GENESIS and YES, but the vocalist sounds so much like John Waite that if you're a fan of his or the BABYS, it can tend to be a distraction. However, the music is more keyboard-oriented and less guitar-dominant than MARILLION, and reminds at times of SAGA. Overall, CASTANARC is a fairly decent neo-prog band, comparable in quality to PALLAS or PENDRAGON and not as good as JADIS. "Journey To The East" is a real cult prog classic and is a great album to sit and listen to.


CASTANARC's "Journey To The East"" is a real classic and is one of those light hearted progressive rock recordings with highly memorable songs. Standout for me here is the absolutely beautiful soft voice of Mark Holiday who I would say has one of the top voices. CASTANARC are a neo-prog act but never get too synthy for my liking instead delivering a gentle but complex offering which I am sure will please all prog heads. They never get too loud or out of control and keep focus on building vocal harmonies and beautiful sonic architecture. At times I think "Journey..." carries a slight Alan PARSONS touch. "Journey To The East" is a real cult prog classic and is a great album to sit and listen to.
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