Cyril was formed in 2010 by former members of melodic rock band Gabria, who had previously released a couple of albums, but decided that they need to move in a different musical direction so recruited Larry B. as their new singer. Their debut album was recorded at the beginning of the year, and is thematically based on the story of the book ‘The Time Machine’ by H.G. Wells. Although it is a debut, one can tell that these guys have been working together for a long time as this is polished, layered, warm, inviting, and all that one would want from a crossover album as it brings in elements from many different areas and styles, maintaining a pop rock influence but bringing in so very much more as well.
It reminds me a lot of some of the albums that were coming out at the beginning of the Nineties, and there is more than a hint of Jadis in the guitarwork of Ralf Dietsch, with some wonderfully layered keyboards backing this up by Marek Arnold (who also provides some sax and clarinet to the album, which is a nice touch). Atmospheric and evocative, this moves from gentle piano through to hard rocking guitar whilst thematically making sense at all times. “Sweet Alice” starts as an almost flamenco number, bringing forth memories of the incredible Carmen (the band that John Glascock was in prior to Tull), but it all fits within the album as a whole. Solid, enjoyable, and packed full of great ideas topped with a real sense of class, this is a great debut. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next one.
www.cyril-band.de
