Farpoint - Cold Star Quiet Star (2008)

FARPOINT are a 6-piece outfit from South Carolina whose melodic style alternates between acoustic folksy ballads and harder-edged blues rock. You can't deny their 'Christian' leanings although they never smack you around with preachy lyrics. In addition to standard rock instrumentation, they use classical guitar, mandolin, flute and various types of percussion. Vocal duties are shared between two very different vocalist, female Dana Oxendine's angelic voice and Clark Boone's husky/gravelly type reminiscent of Ritchie Havens on "How Can I" and "Icarus Ascending" from Steve Hackett's "Please Don't Touch" album.

With loads of 12-string acoustic guitar and a generally organic sound, their album "First Light" (2002) has a a medieval, almost pastoral YES flavour. "Grace' (2003), featuring an excellent lead guitarist by the name of Mike Avins, boasts a much more aggressive sound although it still contains plenty of acoustic parts (piano, 12-string) but without the medieval flavour. "From Dreaming to Dreaming" (2004) sees the band reaching new heights in song writing, performance and production. With only a very subtle nod to YES this time around - and a not-so-subtle one to PINK FLOYD - the band's energy level is higher than ever and features plenty of spacey synth with only the occasional folksy ballad.

"First Light" should appeal to straight-up folk prog lovers; "Grace" is more likely to draw GLASS HAMMER fans whereas "From Dreaming to Dreaming" will certainly please fans of The MOODY BLUES as this one captures both the sound and spirit of that band.