Windchase-Symphinity (1977)

Windchase was a band formed in the mid-seventies by former members of Sebastian Hardie, one of the pioneers of Australian symphonic prog. These members were Mario Millo (guitar and vocals) and Toivo Pilt (keyboards). While Sebastian Hardie practiced a style more focused on the melodic sounds of progressive rock with many orchestral and classical passages, Windchase borrowed more refined sounds with lyrical melodies, a strong musical emphasis, bucolic guitars and keyboards, a mix of vocal and instrumental sequences, and more cheerful and carefree lyrics. Windchase's only album was released in 1977, where guitarist Mario Millo's influences are much more diverse, with echoes of Steve Morse's jazz-rock, Carlos Santana's Arabic sound, and Steve Howe's classicism, while the keyboardist also broadened his horizons with a much more prominent role for the Hammond organ. “Horseman to Symphinity” is a progressive, nearly nine-minute track featuring a rich interplay between guitar solos and the backing of organ sounds, with vocals that at times recall the timbres of John Wetton. In “No Scruples”, a frenetic rhythm takes over with synthesizer solos and powerful riffs; the funky and infectious “Lamb’s Fry” approaches progressive jazz; while “Flight Call” is a highly refined, exuberant exercise in symphonic pop.