Following a busy (and triumphant) end to another college semester, I have finally returned to help bring to light those bands which would have been lost to history if not for the wondrous powers of the Internet.  There are many groups left to cover, and this Christmas week I would like to call your attention to a band called Babylon.  This Florida based quintet released one eponymous album in 1978.  It was an excellent effort, but due to lack of sales the group disbanded shortly after the album’s release.  Nevertheless it is an album worth listening to.  Babylon has been compared to Genesis, but they are more than mere copycats.  Like Genesis, Babylon found its niche in the symphonic school of prog; their sound is primarily driven by keyboards and a guitar synthesizer (no flute is present, however).  The lead singer could best be described as a blend of Peter Gabriel and Peter Hammill; his vocals are rather distinct and dramatic.  Guitarist J. David Boyko was no doubt inspired by Steve Hackett’s unique sound, and he does some fine work on the album.  The individual members are comparable in sound (and nearly in skill) to the members of Genesis, but some of the lyrics are darker.  And now to the songs:

The Mote in God’s Eye: keyboard driven piece; (somewhat) humorous lyrics sung with dramatic vocals provides an interesting contrast

Before the Fall: solid bass performance (louder than Rutherford usually played); Hackett-like guitar synth

Dreamfish: excellent keyboard intro reminiscent of some of Banks’s finest work; Hammill-like vocals; solid drumming and bass provides great rhythm section

Cathedral of the Mary Ruin: vocals sound like Fish and Gabriel; another fine keyboard and guitar synthesizer driven song

All four songs are over seven minutes in length and each is of the utmost quality.  It’s unfortunate this group never released another album, but thanks to Youtube and iTunes, you can enjoy the small masterpiece they did produce.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Here is Dreamfish: