Modrigue
Say, ELOY turns floyd-ish again, is it really true?
"Time to Turn" was initially planned as a double-album with "Planets". As the progressive genre was not very highlighted in the beginning of the 80's, the Harvest label refused. The two albums were finally released as a dyptic, which was a reasonable decision. The musical style, sound and inspiration are in continuity with their previous opus, however featuring more guitars and bass as well as a few surprises. Frank Bornemann is more present and delivers some inspired soli. It also marks the return of drummer Fritz Randow, who played in the band during 1973- 1975, and of some PINK FLOYD's borrowings. However, ELOY's style is now quite new, the Germans' fantasy sci-fi prog compositions cannot be compared to what their elder British brothers did. So, there should be less controversy this time.
"Through A Somber Galaxy" is a catchy good space-rock opener. ELOY is style alive, and Bornemann gives us a nice gilmour-ian guitar solo. The progressive "Behind The Walls Of Imagination" is a nice track with mysterious intro and a melancholic ambiance. The title track gives some arguments to the band's detractors, as it can be regarded as their reinterpretation of "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2". The bass and guitar lines are quite reminiscent of the well known song, as well as the kids' chorus. Nonetheless, as said before, the musical style is different, it's fantasy sci-fi here. Anyway, a very nice track in ELOY's discography.
The ambient electronic "Magic Mirrors" is less melodic and more melancholic. An enjoyable piece. The highlight of the record is undoubtedly the 9 minutes mini-epic "End Of An Odyssey". The most progressive track, its spacey intro and various atmospheres will make you travel through stellar systems. In contrast, "The Flash" is the weakest composition here. It sounds like a RUSH's tune from the "Signals" or "Grace Under Pressure" period, however less inspired. The ending song, "Say, Is It Really True" is also the most surprising. Mainly a short acoustic guitar piece, in the style of you-know-who's "Wish You Were Here". Although this exercice is quite new for ELOY, the result is convincing.
"Time to Turn" is ELOY's best 80's album, with "Planets". Whether you prefer the black or the grey one is just a matter of taste. "Planets" is more coherent and dominated by synthesizers, whereas this 1982 opus is more rock oriented and less lyrical. Again, the music still sounds a bit dated, but,at the time, there were not many progressive records of this quality.
Very recommended to space-rock lovers and ELOY fans!