LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

1 - Image (I. Part One - A Glimpse On The Mirror) (4'00)2 - Shattered Ego (8'10)3 - In The Gardens Of Eden (7'36)4 - November's Night (4'49)5 - Image (II. Part Two - Back Star Rising) (2'16)6 - Through The Snake's Eyes (7'28)7 - Empty Streets (5'20)8 - Driving In The Rain (5'41)9 - The Haze (9'59)10 - A Scent Of Spring (5'46)11 - Image (III. Part Three - Looking At The Sunrise) (2'13)

After APHRODITE’S CHILD, VANGELIS and SOCRATES during the Seventies, Greece is once again waking up to Progressive rock. The leading band of this new generation, LA TULIPE NOIRE is a classically composed quintet. This talented line-up performs a refined and quiet progressive rock that develops baroque and solemn melodies. The Singer IMA’s clear and pure vocals can remind of that of Virginia ASTLEY. S. KONTAKIS’s guitar sounds like GILMOUR’s whereas ALIX’s keyboards weave quiet layers that marvellously complete precious and melancholic themes. As for the rhythm section, assured by drummer Nick KASSAVETIS and bassist HYDE, it is definitely solid. Leaving somehow aside the MARILLION inherited influences, “Faded Leaves” (2002) could develop an original sound, while keeping the assets that made the success of their album “In The Gates Of Dream” (1996) & “Shattered Image” (1999). Quickly pick this rare flower, it will nicely decorate your secret garden devoted to Progressive rock…