Camel- The Snow Goose

After Mirage, the classic Camel lineup of Laitimer, Feurgeson, Bardens, and Ward wanted to tackle their most ambitious project yet. The Snow Goose is based on the novel of the same name by Paul Gallico, a romance novel set in world war two that's evidently very popular in Britain. However, the band decided to make a completely instrumental work. In essence, it's a rock opera without a spoken story (a rock ballet, perhaps?), leaving the listener to be absorbed by Barden's Keyboards and Laitimer's guitars and flute.

With 16 small tracks, it would be pointless to try and do my usual by-the-song style review for The Snow Goose. This album has a very beautiful, serene feel to it. From the opening of "The Great Marsh" forward, this album if planted firmly in the steamy, ethereal keyboards from Pete Bardens. With warm Hammonds and icy grand pianos, the emotional depth of the work is firmly planted here. The flute work here is also great, especially on "Rhayader", layering on further emotion. The guitar stays mostly in the background, but when they come out the action is wonderfully advanced. Its often acoustic in nature. As for the rhythm section, they don't really get a whole lot to do.

This album is a textbook example of symphonic prog, with a good deal of classical influence while still managing to remain firmly in the rock camp. Packed with virtuoso playing and lots of heart, The Snow Goose offers a lot of stuff for the proghead to love. Try to find a live version online- it's a lot more aggressive and has it's own distinct feel!

Everything here blends together, and it's a great piece of symphonic prog work. Grade: A