TALE is: ROB GRANVILLE: Songwriter, Guitarist & Vocals MICHAEL STODART: Songwriter, Pianist & Vocals Denny Laluette: String & Fretless Bass Andy Thomas: Drums Kevin Kruger: Percussion Theme of Elysium Fields Alice in Wonderland meets Jesus Christ Superstar. The principle character, Joe Boliero, lies dying in a hospital bed. He is in a coma. We see into his mind as he fantasises his slow journey to death. The fantasies are of himself as a young rebel in pursuit of freedom from a long time ago, another age. The story is set underground in a mystical world of exotic cities, animated trains, lost concertos and outrageous encounters of survival and seduction. In his pursuit for happiness, Joe reaches the "Elysium Fields", Paradise. (From Tale Music Group's website) This superb concept album took two years to complete. It is really convincing with strong emotional songs that stand strongly on their own. The musicians are really competent too, making this album a real masterpiece. The music is intricate and based around the piano and the guitar, and it is a mix between Alan Parson Project, early Genesis, Pink Floyd, Spock's Beard and Supertramp. The vocals are sometimes reminiscent to Peter Gabriel. On some of the tracks they have got a full orchestra and choir. The recording quality is superb with a clear sound. The highlights are many but you could mention "Rape of the Catacomb", "Escape", "Baron House", "Memorial Hall", "The Card Game", "Life of Ryelly" and "Elysium Fields". The album comes with a full colour, 8-page booklet including lyrics and script. What more could you ask for? Highly recommended! Tale Music Group is currently working on a 3rd album to be completed by May 1999. To get more information check out the website: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tale/ Contact; BaronHouse Ltd 27a Riffel Road, London NW2 4PB, Tel/Fax (0) 181 450 4553, E-mail tale@globalnet.co.uk -Reviewed by Greger Rönnqvist- |