I disagree with the labeling of this band as "Dutch answer to Genesis" as it was mentioned in the sleeve notes of one of their early albums. This album is by no exception. Yes, most of the tracks are keyboard and mellotron based but the composition is different structurally. The choice of melody is different. So, I think it's too simplistic assuming this band in the vein of GENESIS. I fail to classify under which box this band, especially this album, we should put in. It has female vocal. So what? Should it be classified under RENAISSANCE or BABE RUTH or ATLANTIS / FRUMPY? It is so silly classifying a band based on sexual genre of lead vocals.
I think the title track "To the world of the future" represents the heart of this album. It has great composition as the music flows dynamically starting with an upbeat tempo, a bit like disco music (not really, actually), moves slightly to a slower tempo. The bass line used is very dominant and set the right ambient of the track. Keyboard and mellotron are used significantly in this nice and dynamic track. Vocal part is done by JERNEY KAAGMAN and CHRIS KOOERTS in a dialogue style. It's a perfect combination of male and female vocal. The tag-line melody is really touchy and memorable. The inclusion of keyboard and mellotron sound at the background have made this track very rich in its musical nuances. This track is full of energy and can stimulate your positive emotional feeling and gear your motivation up. The guitar solo in the middle of the track is really stunning. I bet you'll love this track regardless you are a progger or not. It's a fantastic song! As I am writing this review, I have been playing this track four times with no sign of getting bored!
Having been rocked by the first track, the next "How time flies" is mellow track with acoustic guitar, female vocal and keyboard play. It's nice. No drumming in this track. It's a great break after an upbeat tempo track. . "The last seagull" is a great instrumental piece opened with keyboard sounds that create a situation at the beach. This track is heavily influenced by jazz with stunning organ / keyboard solo with mellotron sound at background. There is lead guitar solo as well. The music flows smoothly from start to the end without any surprise in melody or rhythm changes. It's very enjoyable track. "Circus" is a song with great melody and lead vocals. The organ solo in the middle of the song is really excellent. This is another track that I always repeat listening. Excellent composition. The band use many musical transitions in this track.
I think you will enjoy this album very much whether you like prog music or not. It's not a pop music, definitely. But is not as complex as any prog rock music. Music lovers would like this album, I think. For me, it's an excellent addition to my prog collection. RECOMMENDED. Buy the CD! The title track itself is worth for having this CD in your collection. Gatot Widayanto, Indonesia. EARTH AND FIRE To the World of the Future music reviews and MP3( review from progarchives.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
1. To the world of the future (10:47)
2. How time flies (3:10)
3. The last seagull (6:55)
4. Only time will tell (3:46)
5. Vote from yonder (7:00)
6. Love of life (3:21)
7. Circus (6:12)
Total Time: 041:11
Line-up / Musicians
- Theo Hurts / bass, acoustic guitar, arrangement
- Jerney Kaagman / lead vocals
- Ton van de Kleij / drums, xylophone, percussion, bell tree
- Chris Koerts / acoustic & electric guitars, Arp Odyssey synth, vocals, arrangement
- Gerard Koerts / organ, acoustic & electric pianos, Mellotron, clavinet, synthesizers, virginal, arrangement percussion, bell tree
Earth & Fire - 01 - To The World Of Future 1.wmv
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