LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

1 - As On A Darkling Plain (I. The Dance Of Les Innocents) (5'40)2 - As On A Darkling Plain (II. Darkling Plain) (7'19)3 - As On A Darkling Plain (III. Byzantine Fire) (5'07)4 - As On A Darkling Plain (IV. Theater Of The Vampires) (1'32)5 - As On A Darkling Plain (V. Those Who Must Be Kept) (4'45)6 - As On A Darkling Plain (VI. Beautiful Marquise) (5'28)7 - As On A Darkling Plain (VII. The Legacy Of Magnus) (5'28)8 - As On A Darkling Plain (VIII. Run Away) (5'35)9 - Lost In The Money (5'55)10 - Blind Authority (3'51)11 - Rock (5'56)12 - I Can't See (5'03)13 - Tomorrow (6'19)14 - Lay Down Beside Me - In The Rain (5'03)

TEN JINN can be placed at the forefront of the current Progressive rock scene. That American band appears here, mostly because of its leader’s extravaganza: John Paul STRAUSS claims to be from the same family as a famous Austrian composer ! The singer develops clear and expressive vocal parts, frequently reminding of Michael SADLER’s (A link with SAGA that can be found on the instrumental level as well), and with a special love for GENTLE GIANT-like polyphonies. The music itself appears to be sophisticated and personal, strongly marked by the Seventies, but recorded with current sonorities. Melodies are well-crafted, and left their footprint so easily in the minds. As its predecessor "As On A Darkling Plain" (1999) was inspired by the baroque universe of vampire stories written by Ann RICE, "Alone" (2003) proves to be more mainstream and close to perfection at the same time. Here’s without any doubt the album of maturity !