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Compilation - The 3rd Cyclops Sampler

Artist:	Compilation
Title:	The 3rd Cyclops Sampler
Label:	Cyclops CYCL 046
Length(s):	72 minutes
Year(s) of release:	1996
Month of review:	01/1997

Line up

Varies per track.

Tracks

1)	Abbfinoosty - When The Sun Explodes (alternate)	5.07
2)	Anekdoten - Book Of Hours (live)	9.36
3)	Cross - Heavenly (alternate)	6.06
4)	Fruitcake - Lost My Way	5.37
5)	Lands End - Breathing Deep	9.44
6)	Mastermind - Mils To Go Before I Sleep	4.53
7)	Mentaur - Chasing Time (remix)	2.58
8)	Sinkadus - Manuel (alternate)	11.42
9)	Sphere - Again	5.17
10)	Still - Loveless	5.52
11)	Vulgar Unicorn - Too Many Secrets (alternate)	5.23

Summary

Interesting album even without having heard any of the tracks. Besides an invitation to join the Cyclops Club for CDs not available in shops, this contains a number of interesting bands. Of course, I'm not really satisfied with this Cyclops club, because then I might actually have to go out and buy something. Also, it contains extensive info on the bands on this disc.

The music

1 - after a soft start the song turns for the dark, raunchy and lyrically pessimistic. I'm not too fond of the rather simple drumwork, but the melodic chorus is nice. I'm not sure how alternate this is, but it sounds rather how I remember it now. Over the top space rock, but rather straighforward. 2 - Well I'm rather an admirer of Anekdoten (although a friend of mine a little more) and although I do not have Nucleus myself I have listened to it at his place. A great song and also interesting to read what has come out of this band up to now. Quite a lot I must say. Of course, Anekdoten is always being accused of following in the footsteps of the Great King Crimson (also one of my fave's), but in my eyes, they have enough going for them to make it. Btw Anekdoten being on this CD does NOT mean that the band is from now on on Cyclops, but it's just that Nucleus was distributed by them in England. A high point on this album, but the spectre of KC is not far off. 3 - Heavenly has a good intro to the song (the keyboard sound reminds me of the start of Rutherford's Smallcreep's Day). The rather raw vocals of Cross are a welcome change and a sight not often heard (yea, I know) in progressive rock, the melodies are good. This is typical neo with in the music some Egdon Heath influences. 4 - Fruitcake has a knack for writing good compositions, loaded with emotion, but this one is a little uneventful although the very slow keyboard solo is nice. 5 - Lands End on a longish one. As is their wont, a rather atmospheric piece with the desolate sounding vocals of McFarland and some up-tempo parts with electric guitar. Very much in their own style. Good track especially the second half. 6 - The instrumental Miles To Go Before I Sleep of powerrockers Mastermind is also a good one, consisting mostly of an emotional guitarsolo with varied drumming. 7 - Mentaur's contribution is standard progressive fare and not so interesting. Up-tempo, but the sound is rather bad and the vocals aren't great either. Can be compared to an up-tempo version of 8 - Sinkadus provides the longest track and is thorougly rooted in the early years of progressive rock, with lots of mellotron and a very melodic and moody sound, reminiscent of Court of the Crimson King, also with flute and some up-tempo parts thrown in for a good measure. A good track and I'm looking forward to their debut CD. 9 - The jazzy instrumental proggers of Sphere are then allowed to make their second appearance on CD. Time for one of your own, my friends? A powerful track. 10 - Still is the follow-up to Echolyn, featuring three members of that band. The sound of this song is rather reminiscent of Pearl Jam, so grunge rather than progressive. 11 - The closer is by Vulgar Unicorn. A melodic track with a very good intro. The vocal parts are not so melodic, but the song showcases the rather varied music of VU quite well.

Conclusion

A good introduction to Cyclops bands of today and also a worthwhile addition in the form of Anekdoten's Book of Hours. The new tracks are usually of the same quality as the previous album by the same band, except maybe for Fruitcake. They ought to do better.

Jur