Nightwinds - Nightwinds (Reissue) (1979/1991)

NIGHTWINDS were one of those unlucky bands that split up before seeing the release of their first album. In the late 70's, the five musicians were touring the Southern Ontario clubs alongwith SAGA, RHINEGOLD and FM when they came to the attention of KLAATU members. The latter took them into a studio to record a first album but conflicts erupted amongst the NIGHTWINDS clan who split up. Bassist Mike Gingrich went on to tour with KLAATU and MAX WEBSTER; also touring with KLAATU, keyboard player Gerald O'Brien eventually went on to form his own band; and guitarist Terry O'Brien as well as drummer Mike Phelan both managed to carve out a lucrative career for themselves in the music business. In 1991, the band's original recordings were rescued by Laser's Edge who finally released their one and only album.

To get an idea of what NIGHTWINDS sound like, try to imagine mid-period GENESIS (circa "A Trick of the Tail") and then add some busy bass work à la Chris Squire and a vocalist resembling a cross between Geddy Lee and Jon Anderson. GENESIS fans won't fail to recognize many Banks and Hackett references throughout (track 7 is indeed said to be a tribute to GENESIS) but it is all done very tastefully. Highly atmospheric, the album is keyboard dominated but also features some incredible drum/bass interplay as well as strong songwriting and solid musicianship. A style that may sound way too familiar but still a classy and highly polished album, thanks in part to a fine production by Dee Long and Terry Draper of KLAATU and excellent digital mastering by Laser's Edge.

Recommended to fans of mid-period GENESIS, STARCASTLE, ARAGON and NORTH STAR. STYX and SAGA fans will also like the high energy and crisp production.