This was Camel's second album that faired a hell of a lot better than their self titled debut. Mirage is an excellent album that opens with 'Freefall', that right from the outset is racing, as you might expect from a freefalling experience. Guitarist Andrew Latimer really soars through the many chord changes with relative ease. 'Nimrodel' is the real highlight, and is divided into three parts i.e. 'Nimrodel', 'The Procession' and 'The White Rider'. This track not only includes an underlying melodic theme, but also a march (a sort of an anthem), and during the third part Camel produce atmospherics quite original for this time period. Sub-sonic bass, fluttering guitar chords, and airy keyboard sequences that create an underwater ambience that is truly amazing. 'Earthrise' is very reminiscent of Yes. The keyboard sequences are so much like the playing style of Rick Wakeman, and even Doug Ferguson's bass work is comparable to Chris Squire's. And finally 'Lady Fantasy', a song in four parts (Lady Fantasy, Encounter, Smiles For You, Lady Fantasy), and almost thirteen minutes long. The musicianship of this extended jam can't be faulted, but the lyrics are pretty damn lame.