Jack Yello is a band based in Dusseldorf, Germany and Heemskerk, Holland, who play progressive art rock. Thorns Of Anger is their debut album. Eleven tracks, averaging seven minutes in length, which means that the band treat their listeners to over seventy-eight minutes of eighties prog rock. The track ‘Game Show’ is a fine example of that style of music, and brings back memories of the incredible Twelfth Night. Jack Yello might be a bit more up-tempo, but the structures aren’t very different from this classic prog band. The info leaflet states that Jack Yello is progressive art rock, influenced by Genesis, Marillion, Spock’s Beard and Dream Theater.

It’s therefore no wonder that this release drew my attention. However, such a statement also arouses high expectations. Although Thorns Of Anger is a nice debut album – a concept album as a matter of fact – there is not a single track that comes close to the level of the dominating bands in the scene. So I was rather disappointed, listening to this album. Referring to these bands might even be called misleading and a bit arrogant. Nevertheless Jack Yello have that typical German prog sound, and I have no doubt that they will do great in Germany and some surrounding countries. But I would be surprised if Jack Yello live up to their high aspirations.