Banzai - Hora Nata (Reissue, Remastered) (1974/1995)

Banzai were a Belgian quintet from the mid 1970s who disbanded after only one album. This reissue contains not only their original album, but also six bonus tracks the band recorded afterwards as well as a booklet done in fancy paper. The sound of the band is not particularly original, being made up of various component parts of Yes, Genesis and Focus, the latter especially when the lead guitar hits. Even when Banzai want to sound creative and daring, they do it in exactly the same way as Gentle Giant. The musicianship itself is pretty solid, both very tight during the more complex passages and creative during the long jamming sessions. The vocals are high pitched, not quite Jon Anderson pitch but getting there, and sung in English with a slight accent.
The original album is mainly instrumental, with only two tracks containing any vocals. The instrumental sections are equally divided between jams and more thoroughly composed pieces, sometimes with strings added. The more composed sections would be excellent if they were not so often derivative. The best track is possibly "Obelisk," which a fairly standard symphonic feel, good arrangements, and some creative percussion work. The second part of "Obelisk" is called "Hora Nata" and sounds a little like Focus playing "After the Ordeal." It also appears in a slightly more mellow form as a bonus track.

The rest of the bonus tracks are of a more poppy nature; certainly pleasant, but generally lightweight. I find myself inexplicably drawn to the song "We're So Sorry", with its quaint phrasing "We're so sorry, oh Cecile, to wake up you." Most of these songs I can either take or leave quite happily.

This is not an album for somebody who is becoming jaded with symphonic rock. There is precious little that Banzai have to add to the genre, aside from a few good compositional efforts. If you can't get enough of music inspired by Yes and Genesis, then this is worth getting. Otherwise, look elsewhere first.