Camel - Mirage
	Released: 1974 Label: Deram Cat. No.: 820 613-2 Total Time: 37:47
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, January 2004 Camel’s second release Mirage begins to establish the classic Camel sound. Opening with the Bardens penned "Freefall"; it features some ripping guitar and keyboard work, yet somewhat marred by the uninspired vocals by Bardens. The interesting thing is that at about 3:25 into the track, you might think you were listening to the Allman Brothers. "Supertwister" offers up a hefty portion of flute, which many Camel fans often complain they don’t get enough of in the band's later years. The middle of the record is where the band seems to hit full stride and really come up with the sound that would carry them to their most acclaimed release The Snow Goose. "Nimrodel – 1. The Procession, 2. The With Rider" and "Earthrise" are the two gems here. Both tracks offer up lengthy examples of the band's melodic and lyrical playing. An obvious Tolkien influence can be found in the lyrics of "The White Rider." Bardens steps out for a lengthy keyboard solo, eventually turning it over to Latimer. The instrumental "Earthrise" has a slow building intro, and has Bardens and Latimer trading off carrying the melody and lead work throughout the track, giving both an intense workout. The disc ends with the Camel classic "Lady Fantasy." A concert staple to this day, it has served the band well, and in the various versions they usually stick close to what you hear on this disc. Mirage shows a band maturing and growing into a signature sound. You can hear the ties that Mirage shares with The Snow Goose and it seems like a logical progression. Camel has always been about melody, and you can find plenty here, as even during the longer instrumental breaks, there is always something to hang your hat on, as the guitar and keyboards are truly the bands main voice. More about Mirage: Track Listing: Freefall (5:47) / Supertwister (3:20) / Nimrodel: The Procession - The White Rider (9:12) / Earthrise (6:42) / Lady Fantasy (12:46) Musicians: Andy Latimer – Guitar, Flute, Vocals Pete Bardens – Keyboards, Vocals Doug Ferguson - Bass Andy Ward – Drums Contact: Website: www.camelproductions.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Camel (1973/2002*) Mirage (1974/2002*) The Snow Goose (1975/2002*) Moonmadness (1976/2002*) Rain Dances (1977) A Live Record (1978/2002*) Breathless(1978) I Can See Your House From Here (1979) Nude (1981) Chameleon - The Best Of Camel (1981) The Single Factor (1982) Stationary Traveller (1984) Pressure Points - Live (1984) Compact Compilition (1986) Landscapes (1991, compilation) Dust And Dreams (1991) Echoes (1993, compilation) On The Road '72 (1993) On The Road '82 (1994) Never Let Go (1994, live) Harbour Of Tears Rajaz (1999) Coming Of Age (1999) The Paris Collection (2001) A Nod And A Wink (2002)