Red Queen to Gryphon Three is only available coupled with the Raindance
album on the same disc, but it has stood the test of time as an excellent
progressive rock piece. The album centers around a game of chess, with
each track around ten minutes in length. The symphonic structure of the
movements intricately combine rich textured strings with medieval horns,
reminiscent of 16th century England. The keyboards bridge together certain
passages with just the right intensity so that they keep from modernizing
the album's feel. While some progressive rock can seem over the top or
contrived, Gryphon mixes subtlety with diversity to formulate beautiful
streamline music. The use of the bassoon and krumhorn gives this album
depth and a profound musical element not found in other bands of the same
nature. The tempos and accents express moods that are structured for each
piece precisely, such as the brainstorming arrangements in "Opening
Move" and the victorious finale heard throughout "Checkmate,"
the last song on the album. The absence of vocals lets the music carry
extra weight, enhancing the vision of the chessboard in the mind's eye.
(by Mike DeGagne, All
Music Guide)
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