Songs from the Lions Cage

Personnel: Steve Rothery (guitar); Clive Nolan (keyboards); Mick Pointer (drums); Tracy Hitchings (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Teo Miller.
Recording information: Arena Studios, London, England (07/1994-10/1994); Orchard Farm Studios, Buckinghamshire, England (07/1994-10/1994); Thin Ice Studios, Berkshire, England (07/1994-10/1994).
With all the grandiose trademarks of a progressive rock album, Songs From the Lions Cage is fulfilling and appealing, offering both slicing guitar work via Keith More and soaring keyboards from Clive Nolan of Pendragon. On drums, Mick Pointer of Marillion fame is well heard in full bluster from start to finish. "Crying for Help One" as well as part two and three echo with gorgeous acoustic guitar and mesmerizing synthesizer. Even though this is a concept album, it's not hard to get lost in all the breathtaking overlays of instrumentation, thus placing the conceptual aspect to the back of your mind and bringing the music to the forefront. Vocalist John Carson, who sounds an awful lot like Fish, comes through as an explosive and passionate singer. Each song has a different pace and aura, and while there are a couple of longer songs on the album clocking in at around ten minutes each, there is never a dull moment. Great production surrounds this CD as well, giving it a crisp, firm sound. ~ Mike DeGagne