Tempus Fugit - The Dawn After The Storm

Year of Release: 1999
Label: Rock Symphony
Catalog Number: RSLN032
Format: CD
Total Time: 55:04:00

Tempus Fugit have a 90s IQ sound about them, though it is Marillion that is most strongly felt in the guitar playing of Henrique Simoes, although the opening track "Daydream" is more like either Jadis or IQ. They do have a lighter sound than Marillion (when they were making music with this sound). André Mello has a high tenor voice, thought sounds nothing like Jon Anderson - I thought of Castanarc's vocalist Mark Holiday. Their instrumentals are stronger than their vocal tracks, I think. Hightlights of this good album are "Tocando Você," a guitar led piece, where Simoes lets the instrument sing, and "Discover," where there are some great vocal harmonies - actually, this is a very meaty track.

The title track begins with the storm, atmospheric keys over thunder crashes and sheets of rain ... there is a stillness about the track ... as if this rainstorm is something a little more sinister. Parping keys herald the passing of the storm, and take the lead on this of the track - there is something quite cheerful about this track. But wouldn't you be too after a heavy storm has moved out? Simoes treats to some searing leads about half-way into to this four section, 8-plus minute track. The four sections are 'Awakening,' 'Walking Through The Fields,' 'Beyond The Horizon,' and 'Homeward' ... this latter has a wistfulness about it, a certain melancholy that sets in when you're headed home, but still see the long journey ahead.

"Never" is awkward where the lyrics are concerned and tends toward the lighter end of neo-prog ... almost slipping out of the prog genre entirely, but it is Simoes that brings it back to neo with often Rothery-esque leads. André Luiz, the bassist with the band, shares an acoustic guitar number that reminds me of the intro to ELP's "In The Beginning," though for more than just they're both acoustic.

This is actually a very nice album, stronger, as I said, with the instrumentals than with the vocal tracks ... the instrumentals are more expressive, more open is the difference.

Also released by Musea Records (FGBG 4318.AR)

Tracklisting:
Daydream (8:30) / The Dawn After The Storm (8:53) (a. Awakening, b. Walking Through The Fields, c. Beyond The Horizon, d. Homeward) / Never (6:07) / Tocando Voc? (6:54) / The Fortress (5:18) / Prel?dio de Sevilla (2:07) / The Sight (4:45) / O Dom de Voar (6:38) / Discover (7:52)

Musicians:
Andr? Mello - keyboards, lead and backing vocals
Ary Moura - drums and electronic percussion
Henrique Simoes - electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, backing vocals
Andr? Luiz - bass guitar, acoustic guitar

Discography:
Tales From A Forgotten World (1996)
Live - Official Bootleg (1999)
The Dawn After The Storm (1999)
Chessboard (tba)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin BR

Added: September 1st 2000
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website: www.rockprogressivo.com.br/tempusfugit/
Hits: 1844
Language: english