Ballyhoo
Palm Mystery
Acid Dragon
http://acidrago.club.fr/ad2.htm
issue #29 - 2001
(page 25)
All Music
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:djfpxqy0ldje
by Cesar Lanzarini
Borrowing from a menagerie of musical influences, Hands keeps your attention with the same kind of quirky arrangements and their use of a wide array of instruments makes for a unique sound that is always in transition -- both traditional rock and untraditional orchestral instruments are used extensively throughout the album. The material for this CD is put together from recordings from 1977, 1978, and 1980. Shroom Productions' first release, simply called Hands, was a little more progressive, while this CD is more toward the medieval and folk-rock that also could be heard on the first release. The instrumentation is as various as on the debut though. This is definitely worth checking out.
Arlequins (in Italian)
http://www.arlequins.it/pagine/articoli/alfa/corpo.asp?iniz=H&fine=I&ch=1508
Dopo il ripescaggio dei primi nastri di questo bel gruppetto texano, l'etichetta Shroom riesce anche ad offrirci questo secondo set di canzoni registrate tra il '78 e il 1980... ed è quasi un'apoteosi! Si tratta di un album (perché in tal modo suona, come un qualcosa di organico, senza alcuna disomogeneità) bellissimo per chi ama le sonorità sinfoniche e un po' pazzerelle, similare sicuramente ai grandi gruppi progressivi statunitensi sinfonici (Babylon, Mirthrandir, etc.), ma con qualche reminiscenza di Yezda Urfa, tanto per rimanere negli States. Non dimentichiamoci il ruolo dei Kansas nel sound degli Hands, rappresentato dall'utilizzo del violino e per certe ritmiche pomp. Non ci sono brani lunghissimi, ma non se ne sente la mancanza; gli Hands riescono a raggiungere il loro scopo lo stesso, ve l'assicuro, con sapienti impasti vocali, bei brani di chitarra acustica, tastiere abbastanza in evidenza, ma soprattutto per le atmosfere semplici ma ammalianti che riescono a creare. Veramente un peccato che questo gruppo non abbia trovato notorietà a suo tempo, ma per fortuna che adesso possiamo goderceli.
Alberto Nucci
Babel Fish translation:
After the ripescaggio of the first tapes of this beautiful texano small group, l' Shroom label succeeds also to offer to us this according to set of songs recorded between the ' 78 and 1980… and are nearly un' apotheosis! Draft of egg whites (because in such a way sound, like a something of organic, without some disomogeneità) beautifulst for who loves the sonorità sinfoniche and a po' pazzerelle, to sure similare to the great progressive groups American sinfonici (Babylon, Mirthrandir, etc.), but with some reminiscenza of Yezda Urfa, a lot in order to remain in the States. We do not forget the role about the Kansas in the sound of the Hands, represented dall' I use of violino and for sure ritmiche pomp. Not there are the longest pieces, but the lack is not felt any; the Hands the same one succeeds to catch up their scope, ve l' I assure, with sages vocal pastes, beautiful pieces of acoustic guitar, keyboards enough in evidence, but above all for simple atmospheres but charming that they succeed to create. Truly a sin that this group has not found notoriety opportunely, but fortunately that now we can enjoy them.
Alberto Nucci
BABYBLAUE (in German)
http://www.babyblaue-seiten.de/index.php?albumId=1459&content=review
Von: Ralf Damaschke
Nach der positiven Resonanz auf die erste, selbstbetitelte Hands-CD, entschloß man sich, auch die restlichen brauchbaren Aufnahmen der Band aus der Zeit von 1977-80 zu veröffentlichen. Und obwohl man meinen könnte, daß das resultierende Album schlechter sein müsse als das erste, da man für jenes ja mit Sicherheit versucht hatte, die besten Songs zusammenzustellen, gefällt mir "Palm Mystery" einen ganzen Tacken besser als "Hands". Das liegt vor allem daran, daß es hier keine bemüht-ambitionierten Longtracks oder schrägen Passagen mehr gibt. Stattdessen präsentieren sich Hands in Songs gewöhnlicher Länge hauptsächlich von ihrer folkigen Seite, die sie, wie in meiner Rezension zum Vorgängeralbum ausgeführt, einfach besser beherrschen.
Weiterhin hat man zwischen die normalen Songs geschickt kurze Klangmalereien eingestreut, die der Platte, als Rahmen und Überleitungen wirkend, mehr Kohärenz verleihen und zudem eine weitere interessante und sehr gelungene Facette im Repertoire dieser Band offenbaren. Einzig bei der Klangqualität zieht "Palm Mystery" im Vergleich den kürzeren, ansonsten ist es in jeder Hinsicht klar überlegen. Hätte es ebenfalls noch ein so informatives Booklet wie "Hands", würde ich es auch zum Einstieg empfehlen. So bleibt mir nur noch anzumerken, daß es sich hierbei um eine gelungene und eigenständige Verbindung von Folkästhetik und klassischen Kompositionskniffen in einem geschmackvollen Rock-Kontext handelt. Empfohlen!
Babel Fish translation:
Of: Ralf Damaschke
After the positive resonance on the first, called Hands CD, one decided to publish also the remaining useful photographs that volume from the time from 1977-80 to. And although one could mean that the resulting album must be worse than first, since one had tried for that one with security to arrange best song pleases me " Palm Mystery" a whole Tacken better than " Hands". That is above all because of that there are no endeavor-ambitious Longtracks or diagonal passages here more. Instead Hands in song usual length present themselves mainly from their folkigen side, which they, as in my review to the predecessor album implemented, control simply better. Further one interspersed between normal song sent the short sound painting, which the plate, as frameworks and transitions working, more coherency to lend and besides a further interesting and very successful facet in the repertoire these volume reveal. Only with the sound quality pulls " Palm Mystery" in the comparison, otherwise it is clearly superior to the shorter in each regard. It likewise still another as informative Booklet would have " as; Hands" , I would recommend it also to the entrance. Thus it remains marking to me only that acts here around a successful and independent connection of Folkästhetik and classical composition tricks in a tasteful skirt context. Recommended!
Eclectic Earwig Reviews
http://www.eer-music.com/reviews/hands.html
This review is a long time comin' and it fits the bill as Hands recorded this over the years of 1977-1980, merely a couple of decades ago.
Shroom Productions has unearthed more gems in these 17 tracks.
This is solidly, some of the best, way-back-when progressive rock I've had the joy to hear as a reviewer.
You are treated to great guitar, excellent keys, hot violin work, top-of-the-line lead vocals and harmony voices, lilting flute, fine reeds, tight
percussion, melodic-driven bass, and a variety of stylings in superb
compositions. Tracks 1-14 are studio cuts with 15-17 being bonus live tracks.
The live tracks are unique, bonus tunes, not found among previous pieces. Song lengths range from the 32 second intro to the 7:15 outro.
First time I heard this, I was wondering just how best to review this bevy of delights. I could have just said, "Buy this now, quick, trust me," or waxed
long and loud on the incredible musicianship or whined about the
tragedy these Texans didn't go places years ago but hey --
giants like Happy The Man suffered demise even after a major label showing. Such is the plight of proggers drowned in mainstream music's
moolah-minded morass.
In Hands you will hear National Health, PFM, Arti + Mestieri, Hatfield and the North, traces of early Yes, Happy the Man, Samurai, Dixie Dregsian
down-home jig and tender ballads, snippets of Tull, Genesis sensitivities,
flashes of Kansas, echoes of Flying Island, and I know many out there will
hear other bands I've missed. Amazingly enough, with all this diversity present, things remain cohesive.
Palm Mystery is a well-crafted mosaic of wonderful sounds. I have to give
this release a double-thumbs up with a smile from ear to ear.
~ John W. Patterson
Exposé
http://www.expose.org/expo-nl.html
issue #19 - 2000
(page 77)
George’s Shop (in French)
(click on Catalogue then scroll down to HANDS)
HANDS
Palm chemistry (79)
Deuxième album réédité dans la lignée du très bon Gentle Giant, Happy the man.
Babel Fish translation:
HANDS
Palm chemistry (79)
Second album republished in the line of very good Gentle Giant, Happy the man.
iO Pages (in Dutch)
(issue number 20)
http://www.iopages.nl/archief/io20.html
(scroll down to reviews then to HANDS)
MusicStack
http://www.musicstack.com/item/7421833/hands/palm+mystery
Hands were a Progressive Rock band from Texas, with a style influenced by Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull & Mahavishnu Orchestra.
1977 Texas prog with a Canterbury jazz/Kansas sound with violin.
Passion Progressive (in French)
http://www.passionprogressive.fr/html/image-hands.htm
U S A - rock progressif
Influence Gentle Giant , un progressif recherché, raffiné, teinté jazz-rock, celtique, flûte pastorale et violon nerveux.
Babel Fish translation:
The U.S.A. - progressive rock'n'roll
Influence: Gentle Giant, progressive sought, refined, tinted jazz-rock'n'roll, Celtic, pastoral flute and nervous violin.
ProGGnosis
http://www.proggnosis.com/MUSIC_DBCDInfo.asp?txtCDID=3253
MJBrady
Published on: 12 Jan 2002
What a fun archival collection of music this is. Hands, a long forgotten progressive rock/fusion band from Texas, branched out from from another great band called Prism. They are a 70's band, and thus owe nothing to their contemporaries of this era, as they are as original as any band from this time. Borrowing from a menagerie of musical influences, Hands keeps your attention with the same kind of quirky arrangements as bands like Happy the Man, Mirthrandir, & Gentle Giant, and their use of a wide array of instruments makes for a unique sound, that is always in transition, both traditional rock, and untraditional orchestral instruments are used extensively throughout the album, just look at the musicians credits and you will see what I am referring to. I can only give this cd one knock, and that is the sound quality is obviously dated, but that fact in no way takes away from the significance of this great music, as it is well worth the price to discover one of progs great lost treasures.
ProgMusique (in French)
http://progmusique.ledico.free.fr/html/image-hands.htm
Influence Gentle Giant , un progressif recherché, raffiné, teinté jazz-rock, celtique, flûte pastorale et violon nerveux.
Babel Fish translation:
influence Gentle Giant, progressive sought, refined, tinted jazz-rock'n'roll, Celtic, pastoral flute and nervous violin.
Progplanet
http://www.progplanet.com/index.php?categoryid=29&p2_articleid=35
— YOU gotta hand (sorry) it to SHROOM records....they really have something going... first there was HANDS (1´st) then this their second "Palm mystery"... not to mention ARABESQUE (another fabulous US prog band) and several others.
OK, back to HANDS... a US prog band from way back when (then).. their first one from 1977..and a great one it is..this their...ahem ..second....is sort of a compilation...with material extending from 1977...to...1980.....and its actually quite wonderful material. Its amazing that this band could be forgotten such a long time...but now its here...for all prog freaks to enjoy!! So if you really like prog the US way....time schedule concerned, then this is absolutely your cup of ..eh...coffee. Music wise... we are in GENTLE GIANT and other brilliant time- change bands. OK.. their first one are my favorite... but this one really seems like a follow- up...even though compilation are the key-word here. IN short..if you like US prog from the 70´ties..then this is certainly for you !! Strongly recommended!!! Oh....and they reformed and made a new album:"Twenty five- winters" in 2002. YES....quite right..its GREAT as well!!
By tlarz
Published: November 2, 2005
Prog-Resiste
(issue number 16)
http://www.progresiste.com/issue.php?num=16
(scroll down to HANDS)
also:
(issue number 20)
http://www.progresiste.com/issue.php?num=20
(scroll down to HANDS)
Progression
https://store.progressionmag.com/index.php?page=0&act=viewCat&catId=3
issue #28 - 1998
(page 104)
Progressive Newsletter (in German)
http://www.progressive-newsletter.de/index.htm?/cd_h.htm
(scroll down to HANDS-Palm Mystery)
Nachdem Shroom Productions mit der Veröffentlichung des ersten Hands-Albums aus meiner Sicht einen Volltreffer landeten, der in der Prog-Szene weitaus mehr Beachtung verdient hätte, legen sie jetzt - nach zwischenzeitlicher Veröffentlichung der Vorgängerband Prism - die zweite Hands-CD nach. Hierbei handelt es sich um Material, das, in verschiedenen Formationen eingespielt, zwischen 77 und 80 produziert wurde. Auch wenn es vielfältige Besetzungswechsel gab, liegt hier doch ein sehr homogenes, musikalisch hochwertiges Album vor. Zu jener Zeit gab es in den Staaten also nicht nur (neben den bekannten Größen) Bands wie Starcastle, Ethos und Fireballet, sondern auch diverse andere Perlen wie z.B. Hands. Ob ruhige Titel mit Akustikgitarre und Flöte, Keyboardspielereien, perkussive Highlights à la Maneige, deftige Geigenparts, folkige Nummern, vertrackte Arrangements in bester Gentle Giant-Manier - alles wird einwandfrei präsentiert, nichts wirkt (trotz der Instrumentenvielfalt) überfrachtet. Langeweile kommt hier nicht auf. Selbst die Tatsache, dass verschiedene Sänger agieren, braucht niemanden ernsthaft zu beunruhigen - auch in dieser Hinsicht gibt es nichts zu meckern. Bemerkenswert! Lediglich das knapp 20-minütige, abschließende Bonusmaterial in Form von 3 Live-Aufnahmen fällt qualitativ etwas ab. Was man allerdings hier nicht antreffen wird, sind wilde E-Gitarren-Ausbrüche in Heavy Metal Art. Dass diese Band erfolgreicher Support Act von Gentle Giant waren, wundert mich überhaupt nicht. Und jetzt noch als Krönung die passende Neuigkeit: die Band hat sich reformiert und ist dabei, neues Material aufzunehmen! In welcher Besetzung dies geschieht und was den Hörer erwartet, werden wir (hoffentlich) in einer der nächsten PNL-Ausgaben von Herrn Clay (seines Zeichens einer der Hands-Keyboarder) erfahren.
Jürgen Meurer
© Progressive Newsletter 1999
Babel Fish translation:
After Shroom Productions with the publication of the first Hands album from my point of view a direct hit landed, which would have earned more attention by far in the Prog scene, they put - after intermediate publication the preceeding tapes Prism - the second Hands CD now after. Here it concerns material, which, in different formations, was brought in produced between 77 and 80. Even if there were various occupation changes, a very homogeneous, in music high-quality album is present here nevertheless. At that time it did not thus only give in the states (apart from the well-known sizes of) volume such as Starcastle, Ethos and Fireballet, but also various other beads like e.g. Hands. Whether calm titles with acoustic guitar and flute, Keyboardspielereien, perkussive highlights vertrackte à la Maneige, deftige playing the violin parts, folkige numbers, arrangements in best Gentle Giant manners - everything is presented perfectly, nothing works (despite that instrument variety) overloaded. Boredom does not arise here. Even the fact that different singers act, does not need to worry anybody seriously - also in this regard there is nothing too meckern. Remarkably! Only that scarcely 20-minütige, concluding bonus material in the form of 3 Live photographs drops qualitatively somewhat. Which one will not find however here, wild E-guitar-outbreaks are in Heavy Metal art. that this volume successful support act of Gentle Giant were, surprise me not at all. And now still as coronation/culmination the suitable piece of news: the volume reformed itself and is about to take up new material! In which occupation this happens and which expects the listener, we (hopefully) experienced in one of the next PNL expenditures of Mr. Clay (its indication of one the Hands Keyboarder).
Jürgen Meurer
© progressive newsletter 1999
Rate Your Music
http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/hands/palm_mystery/
Rockerilla (in Italian)
http://www.rockerilla.com/index.htm
issue #241 - 2000
(page 69)
The Missing Piece
Legendary US 70's progressive band in Gentle Giant/Focus/Gryphon vein.
Wonderous Stories (in Italian)
http://www.wonderoustories.it/undici.htm
(issue #11)
(scroll down to HANDS)