Arabesque's Tales of Power, recorded in the 1970s

Here's a great little symphonic prog rock album, with info here, that I was not aware of heretofore.

As it happens it was extensively reviewed on rateyourmusic, consider:

Arabesque is a forgotten band from USA progressive movement from the '70's. The album Tales of power is released in 2002 but containing recordings from 1973 to 1978. When I first listen to this album I was kinda shocked how '70's they sound, didn't know that this pieces are originally composed in the '70's. After digging in their history I found out that they couldn't manage to put on market the album in first place, and Shroom records trace the album and re released him in 2002. The music Arabesque plays is eleborate symphonic prog with excellent musicianship, long instrumental passages and brilliant interplay between guirat and keys. Over this instrumental arrangements the warm voice of August Smarra make this album worth investigate if you are in this kind of music. Sometimes they remind me of Genesis or Camel but not a copy , they have their own sound. All the pieces stands as good , not a weak moment. So a good album, deserve 3.5 stars for sure.

I agree that it's about a 3.5, no higher than that, a bit oversold. The sound of the recording is not ideal at all which for me detracts quite a bit from the enjoyment, given everything is somewhat lacking in clarity.  It sounds also like the great US Cathedral's Stained Glass Stories at times-- but don't get too excited, the compositions are obviously not as strong.  The singer rolls his r's in typical ersatz Genesis style, we have unusual key changes, hammond organ and synths, abrupt rhythm changes, etc.

As the Novelty Wears: