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	Pepper’s Ghost In Fases November 2004 During the listening session of October 30, I chose to keep Clive company in our kitchen. It’s Clive’s habit to withdraw into the kitchen while the people inside The Cage listen to a new Arena album, so he withdrew also this time. Luckily for him, after two open kitchens, we’re now living in a house with a separate kitchen! After I performed the ceremonial ‘pressing of the play button’ and the first tones sounded through the room, I went into the kitchen where Clive and I spoke for the next 53 minutes about the future of The Cage… but that’s another story. Up till now I have always listened to a new Arena album with no more than one other person present in the room. This time due to all kinds of circumstances, this had not been possible. My moment will come later tonight, I thought. But it turned out differently… It got later and later en the moment did not come. Tomorrow then… But the next day there were other reasons that stood in the way. Our son Sil who had to sleep or was playing in the room. Hearing damage is easily inflicted on a toddler. Have to delay it a bit longer… So the moment came four weeks later. Some of you will think me insane: you are one of the first who has Arena’s new album, then you listen to it, don’t you! Err, well that’s true. But somehow I just didn’t get round to it. Until… We started preparing a new Cage magazine which had to include reviews of the album. I’ll offer to write a review, than I just have to listen, I thought. If there’s a will… So I just let the album Pepper’s Ghost penetrate my ears for the first time.  First impression Heavy! Loud! Typically Arena yet new! First favourites: opening track Bedlam Fayre and The Eyes Of Lara Moon! Especially Opera Fanatica will take some more time, is my first impression. Jeeze, what a great band this is!  Second impression Almost no quiet moments. That’s what I notice the second time. There’s the occasional quiet intro, but on the whole this CD is like a fast running train. Great the duelling between Clive’s keyboards and John’s soaring guitar! A thing I like is the fact that is not a concept album… Gives you the opportunity to make a pause and go to the loo… Favourites: Bedlam Fayre (great riff!), Tantalus and Opera Fanatica. Third impression Really start to get used to it by now. It’s actually an album that falls into place pretty quickly. This is probably because of the harmony vocals choruses. Also, this time I listened reading the lyrics, which also helps of course. They’ve got the usual Clive jokes as always. Yes, gentlemen of Arena, you did it again! What a great album! Cheers! Favourites: Bedlam Fayre (yes, I suppose that will stay so, it’s got the same quality as Chosen, I think), The Eyes Of Lara Moon, Tantalus and Opera Fanatica. By: Marcel Kolenbrander