Short Reviews [ Elegant Simplicity - 1997 - "Reversal of Time" ]

Elegant Simplicity got used to working in the domain of Elegant Complexity. The album in question is one of the very best works by Steven McCabe (band leader, multi instrumentalist, author of all musical material), the ones that feature vocals, to be more precise. The line-up here is pretty cool and, apart from traditional rock instruments, it includes a flute and violin, each of the musicians playing the best they can. As for the outfit’s full-time singer Ken Senior, his vocal themes are more diverse and expressive than those on the other vocal albums by the band. I'm not amazed any more that McCabe succeeds in reconciling two quite polar contradictions in his work: distinct melody and an intricate hidden originality of arrangements. In my view, the album should satisfy fans of both accessible and advanced progressive rock music. I don't know if one can get Elegant Simplicity at Moscow's Fili (haven't been there for a long time!), but keep in mind just in case.

Vitaly Menshikov: September 21, 2002