Lives & Times - Waiting For The Parade

‘Waiting For The Parade’ was the third album from L&T, and saw them sign with the Dutch label SI Music, who at the time was certainly one of the most important progressive labels in Europe. Phile Legende (of Lorien) is the only external musician, providing acoustic percussion on five of the nine tracks. Bass is provided this time by Richard himself. Right from the off the hallmarks of the earlier L&T albums are there, but for some reason they appear more accessible. The ‘live’ drumming definitely helps as well as it adds something to the songs. However, the most beautiful song on the album is “Deadline” where Richard on classical acoustic guitar provides the perfect backdrop for Lorna’s haunting voice. Mind you, “Divide” comes a very close second as it gradually builds and builds while “Corners” again hints at the future, while also bringing in loads of influences from Steve Hackett and IQ.