Banzaï - 1974 - Hora Nata

Banzaï

1974

Hora Nata

01. You Always Like An Entree? (2:13)
02. Try (7:44)
- a. Hopeful Strive
- b. Step By Step
- c. Find The Way
03. Obelisk (11:06)
- a. Like A Stalagmite
- b. Hora Nata
- c. Stalagtites In My Jam
- d. Wet The Ropes
04. Hattrick (7:32)
- a. My First Hot-pants
- b. Kick And Rush
- c. The Final And The Third Game
05. Three Magicians (part 1) (12:13)
- a. Once
- b. Theme Of The Rainbow
- c. Bermst
- d. We´ll Bring You The Sun

Singles Bonus tracks on 1995 CD reissue:
06. Hora Nata (2:58)
07. Good Morning Life (3:44)
08. We're So Sorry (3:06)
09. Be Careful Now (3:26)
10. Talking About My Love (3:07)
11. On The Rocks (3:01)

John McO / acoustic & electric guitars, vocals
Peter Torfs / organ, piano, e-piano, Moog, String Ensemble, vocals
Evert Verhees / bass, bass pedals, acoustic guitar, piano, vocals
Erry Fox / drums, percussion
Ludwig Kemat / congas, metallophone, marimba, vibes, percussion, alto sax

With:
Frans Maes / tenor sax
C. Focant / horn
J. Lasselin / horn

Although the opening number (instrumental) is fully jazz-oriented, the remaining songs will be in the synth style for which they were famous (in Belgium). The musical introduction of "Try" is rather complex, the complete opposite of the vocal part which is rather simple and a carbon-copy of a tranquil YesSong. Jon's voice being nicely rendered.

If Yes is one source of inspiration while vocals are concerned, Camel is the other one for most of the instrumental parts. "Obelisk" is probably the closest Camel-like song here. Beautiful symphonic music almost all the way through (there will be a minute of improv though). A sweet moment, except during the finale which is quite hard actually. Solid guitar solo and great rhythmic section to back it up. My favourite song of this album.

"Hat Trick" is jazzier. Sax and drumming remind more KC than anything else but great guitar breaks, and soft keyboards will revert the mood to a less aggressive style. Very nice and fully Camel although the keys during the finale seriously remind me of the ones from Jon Lord...

The longest song features great melodies (guitar and keys) and is truely grandiose. Very intense piece of music. Symph prog fans will be transported to heaven while listening to it. The second half offers more diversity (violins, percussions) and more personal vocals. I just wonder why it is called "Three Magicians, Part I"...

As for the bonus tracks, they are the singles the band released in those years, the first being the title track of the album redone with a string section. Most of the singles are of good quality but they are somewhat different than the album itself. On those singles Banzai manages to sound more like Caravan (circa New Symphonia era) and is rather pleasant.

If the mix of Camel music and some jazzy flavour is of interest to you, this album might be a good surprise. If you must have only one symphonic rock album from Belgium , make it this one.