ARRAKEENPATCHWORK (2C 218752-AR01) CD 31mMOSAIQUE (2C 218753-AR02) CD 51mNeo-progressives have not always been favoured by this reviewer, as enamoured by the complex innovative music of the 70's much of the current wave comes across as nothing more than technically complex pop music, or even worse. There are occasional bands that do surprise however, and I'm continually delighted by innovative acts. I wouldn't laud Arrakeen as being in the latter category, but what they do is far far better than much of what I hear nowadays. With a female vocalist (who sings in French) Arrakeen's music isn't going to translate that well to the international market, but that's why Arrakeen's music works, they haven't compromised in doing standard songs and riddle their compositions with complexities and dynamic arrangements full of rich layers of keyboards and abundant solo breaks. The guitarist sounds like a cross between Uli Roth and Steve Hackett, and the music is suitably lively and pacey. Of the two albums MOSAIQUE is certainly the most refined and involved, and shows a group progressing and gaining an identity of their own.review by Alan Freeman in Audion magazine #25 (June 1993)