This was the second album from Illinois’ progressive rock band, Starcastle. Always regarded as a Yes clone, there’s no question that group was a huge influence on this outfit, but to label them as Yes-lite or something of that nature is an over-simplification. They bring their own sounds to the table. This disc is really a lot like the self-titled debut, but more mature and powerful. The production seems to have been brought up quite a ways, too.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2009  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

They definitely bookend this album with the two strongest cuts. This starts with a great harmonic segment. This is a soaring driving piece of music. It’s the most uniquely Starcastle cut on show here. You really won’t hear a lot of Yes in this mix. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find even minor nods to any band. The vocal line is one of the catchiest on show here and there is some really energized music. This works through a number of alternating sounds and textures and is just plain awesome. It’s a great song and just as the opener was a perfect choice for that position, this leaves you hungry for more.