ENCHANT - Blink Of An Eye

Posted: 8/5/03

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Progressive Rock

Released: 9/24/02

Label URL: www.insideoutmusic.com

Artist URL: www.theoasis.com

Here's an example of a progressive band that understands how to balance technique with songwriting. While many acts in the progressive genre forget about writing actual songs, Enchant, who hail from San Francisco, make well formed tunes a priority. Enchant sounds similar to post-Fish era Marillion. In fact, their debut album, A Blueprint Of The World, was produced by Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery, a factor that lingers in their sound to this day. They will appeal to fans of music with meaning, but fans of traditional melodic rock may enjoy them as well. The warm voice of Ted Leonard, who sounds a bit like Marillion's Steve Hogarth (check out the ballad "Ultimate Gift") and John Elefante (ex-Kansas), is a key component to the band's attractiveness. Of equal importance is the mix of energetic leads and melodic passages from guitarist/keyboardist/song-writer Doug Ott.

The Bloody Truth: Other prog bands should definitely learn something from Enchant. It's all about balance! Keep your eye out for their followup to Blink Of An Eye, which was just released.