The number of Portuguese progressive rock albums is a mighty small one, and despite the occasional rarity, this album and those by the great Tantra are practically the only to have surfaced from this country. This is yet another in the overpackaged, overpriced album-size CD series of Art Sublime (although thankfully there is a cheaper jewel box alternative), and one that, initially, I was not very fond of. Cid is a pretty famous Portuguese musician who made a progressive concept album in 1978 as well as a rare single which are both packaged here together and sounding very good. His style is very similar to the French take on symphonic rock with lots of string synths, mellotron and a very simple melodic style. At first it sounded like another Pink Floyd/Pulsar clone with a lack of depth, but over time the album's subtleties show up and I stated to warm to the album's melodies. In all, this won't appeal to the fan of complex and dazzling prog rock as it's very straightforward melodically and has few deviations from 4/4 rhythms. Atmospherically, it's really well done with loads of Cid's keyboard sounds and a really nice spacey feel that works well as a concept. Fans of spacey French symphonic rock should really like this one.

(Originally published in Exposé #6, p. 50, Edited for Gnosis 4/23/01)