Alaska is a rare. On disc you swear you hear three, maybe four people but no- this is a prog rock duo. You close your eyes and hear the lush expanse of sound and imagine one of those ELP, UK, Eddie Jobson’s Zinc, or even Yes configurations. I’ve already mentioned several groups that come to mind when you hear Alaska.
O’Hara can pull off anything Keith Emerson did and emulate Eddie Jobson with ease. Lewis beats his heart out with emotive skill. He also sings quite well with strength in those difficult upper octaves. Lewis’ voice calls to mind three singers. You hear Steve Perry of Journey, Jon Anderson from Olias of Sunhillow’s vocals, and in places Jobson’s vocals on Zinc.
This is symphonic, prog, art rock at it’s 1990′s best. Their lyrics are gripping, soul-stirring, calls to action, and intelligent reflections on deep things. All the compositions are well thought out, interesting, and executed with care and precision. Alaska’s monster cut is the 11:52 “Tiananmen Square” where O’Hara cuts loose. Alaska is a must-hear. – John W. Patterson