'Galaxy' is a Dutch formation which had a first period of activity in the 90s and which recorded a first album in 1997 which unfortunately never came out. It was therefore necessary to wait until 2022 to get between the ears of this 'Runaway Man' and we wonder why it was not released at the time because all the compositions bring us back to the best of the formations of the 80s of progressive rock, and we can hear, here and there, resemblances with 'Genesis', 'Asia', 'Saga', 'Marillion' or even 'Kansas' and the singer 'Bart Schwertmann' is none other than that of 'Kayak'.
The album begins with 'Answers' which sets the scene for this classy progressive with melodic lines that we appropriate from the first listen, 'Bart Schwertmann' gratifying us with a very beautiful delicate song which fits perfectly with the proposed style and 'Ard Ofers' highlighting luminous keyboards. Listening to the next title, 'Look Into My Eyes', I have the impression of hearing a cross between 'Genesis' and 'Kansas' with a new memorable melody showing a very pleasant symphonic rock side, then, ' Never The Same' continues in this refined progressive with beautiful alternations of intensity and tempo. As for 'In Her Head', the very endearing open atmosphere also shows all the talent of this group for magnificent, quieter compositions and 'Lady In Fire' takes us back a few decades with keyboards à la 'Genesis', a melody à la 'Asia' or a freshness à la 'Saga'. Kicking off energetically and rolling out a few more overdriven guitar riffs, 'Talk To Me' is more direct and in a melodic AOR style bringing extra variety to the mix and, 'Gallery Play' is the only instrumental on the album that highlights keyboards bringing us back to 'Deep Purple' and addictive guitar solos. And to end this very beautiful album, the title song offers us a very beautiful ballad of almost 8 minutes in a languorous and melancholy symphonic atmosphere with a magnificent and grandiose finale in which, after a guitar solo 'Floydien', 'Bart Schwertmann ' offers us a last intense and moving vocal performance.
In summary, the Dutch of 'Galaxy' have done well to persevere so that this album sees the light of day and, even if the compositions necessarily take us back a few decades, we are conquered by this progressive which is ultimately timeless and which should appeal to any audience that likes the references mentioned above... | |
