Galaxy is a band that was actually active from 1983 until the end of the 90s with different formations, but which never saw their only recorded album released. 25 years later we can finally hear “Runaway Men” produced by Shaded Moon Entertainment and containing 8 medium length tracks. An album that has a maracatedly Neo Prog imprint with influences and forays into the AOR., Which would certainly have had better success at the time. The sounds are in fact classic of that period, while remaining pleasant and smooth even today, given the good technique of the musicians involved. The band after recording this album in 1997 broke up and each of the members took his own path, some always in the musical field. A solid sounding record, which has that marked Neo Prog approach of the time, with good mixes between guitar and keyboards and a solid rhythmic session. The added value is the vocal, which manages to reach very high peaks, always dynamic and expressive. The melodic traits of the AOR blend with the more elaborate textures of the Neo Prog, creating an enjoyable album from start to finish. Clearly we shouldn’t expect long and epic tracks or overly intricate passages, but still flowing and pleasant songs played with technique and quality. Bart Schwertmann, who we know well from his experience with the legendary band Kayak, deals with bass and fine vocals. Lovers of those sounds at the turn of the 80s and 90s will surely find here a very pleasant listening, with the classic keyboards with a pompous synth predominance. In some instrumental sections you can hear sounds inspired by the 70s, but overall the disc is pure Neo Prog, of quality. A listening recommended for lovers of the 1980s Prog period, its strong point is not originality but certainly the technique and quality of the compositions, in line with the best bands of the time. Credit must be given to this label and to the constancy of the musicians involved who after 25 years wanted to finally propose this work, a good addition to the collections of Proggers and lovers of good music. I found interesting ideas, the sound is solid and above all played and mixed at high levels, with some more elaborate passages and others melodic, always maintaining high quality. The vocal is a strong point and it is truly engaging, as well as some solitary cues, sometimes from the guitar and others from the keyboard. The rhythm session is solid with good drumming and excellent bass lines that add body to the sound.
Tracklist
01. Answers (6:09)
02. Look Into My Eyes (6:15)
03. Never The Same (5:12)
04. In Her Head (6:39)
05. Lady Of Fire (5:47)
06. Talk To Me (5:08)
07. Gallery Play (5:09)
08. Runaway Man (7:55)
Lineup
Bart Schwertmann / Bass Guitar & Vocals
Niels Lingbeek / Guitars & Vocals
Ard Offers / Keyboards
Nils Offers / Drums