Jewel

This is the debut effort from Pendragon, and it is essentially a combination of Fish-era Marillion with doses of Genesis and Pink Floyd. The keyboard-laden arrangements are unequivocally '80s, and the production is one step up from a demo recording. The selections are a mixed bag of neo-progressive excursions and insipid pop ("Higher Circles" is particularly embarrassing). There was, however, enough talent and individuality here to develop a loyal following that lead Pendragon to be one the few successful progressive bands during the '80s. Recommended for fans interested in the band's humble beginnings, or those interested in the defining years of the neo-progressive subgenre of progressive rock. ~ Robert Taylor