ALF EMIL EIK

Alf Emil Eik"Joy & Breath of Eternity" (1979)The Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Alf Emil Eik recorded and released this album on the Harvest-label in 1979. Eik produced the album himself and played all the instruments, including bass, drums, guitar, bells, moog, Mellotron and string-synths. He also sings on a few tracks. Musically this is symphonic progressive rock with a jazzy edge. The songs vary from lush, beautiful and Mellotron-drenched tracks like "Crying" (great use and combination of the string and choir-sounds of the Mellotron) and "Heart" to energetic, jazzy instrumental journeys like "Joy" and "The Present Age". Both these tracks are some of the better fusion-influenced progressive rock I've heard, and Eik's bass playing is very impressive and reminds me in a way of Chris Squire. "Breath of Eternity" is also quite jazzy, but in a much more laid-back style and creates some pleasant and dreamy atmospheres. "To You" and "Care" are nice vocal-tracks with obvious Yes-influences in the arrangements, and there are also some nice interludes like "Morning Glory" and the majestic "March of Earth" here. "After All" is actually "To You" played backwards! This is a good album with a very nice atmosphere and was one of the few symphonic progressive rock albums released in 1979. *TOMMY SCHØNENBERG*