review by thomas

Originally planned to be based on Gustav Holst’s ”Planets Suite” they were forced to ditch this when permission to use adaptations didn’t came forth. The band instead came up with “Solar Fire”, still inspired by Holst. The first song is the Dylan cover “Father of Day, Father of Night”. Not only does it suits the album’s mood and theme it is also a superb song with fantastic keyboard work and good backing vocals. “Joybringer”, the single promoting the album was the only song which got permission to adapt things from Holst. It did deservingly good – UK# 9 – and are included in the remastered CD version from 1999. The reason I mention this is that the song is really good so if you are planning to buy the album you might as well buy the remastered version; if not for the “Joybringer” song so for the sound quality. The rest of the album goes on in good style and with a distinct space rock feel to it. Except for “Father of Day, Father of Night” there are no highs or lows, it’s a very good and even album, the best MMEB album I have heard. It has the usual formula of more straightforward rock songs and the more progressive ones. Check it out.