Sebastian Hardie - Four Moments (1975) {2004, Japanese Limited Edition, Remastered}

As far as Progressive rock is concerned, most of the criticisms heard during the last thirty years insist on the show-off virtuoso side of it, with a lack of emotions, sort of a technical window for musicians with incredible egos. This was actually one of the major arguments of the punk wave during the second half of the Seventies that had set as a goal (If they ever had one) to get rid of the "Dinosaurs" that YES, GENESIS, EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER and others had become. It would be completely dishonest to deny this superficial and over simplifying reasoning a small hint of truth, but SEBASTIAN HARDIE could be a good example of the contrary. At about the same time, four anonymous people from down under tried to show that our favourite style can go very well with a lyrical, melodical and accessible music. Recorded in 1975, "Four Moments" is like a whole, if not conceptual, at least musical. This is a marvellous symphonic Progressive rock opus that shows very elaborate themes that have a perfect balance between lyrical keyboards and flowing guitar solos, harmonic vocals and refined themes. As a bonus, this jewel of refinement had a real commercial success as well as a huge consideration from the Progressive rock scene, that made them one of their absolute references.