Overall, ELLESMERE II sounds way more energetic and varied compared to the previous work, that was dominated by flute and acoustic guitars. Listening to the whole album, it's not difficult to find similarities with the great prog acts of the past: Yes immediately does spring to mind, but also King Crimson during the rawest parts (a quote from RED is hidden in the second track), UK challenging jazz prog, the symphonic attitude of ELP, Kansas tension towards melody, the breathtaking chord changing sequences typical of Magellan and Cairo, the intimate and gloomy mood from early Peter Gabriel productions. The brief instrumental section that opens the album is the evocative trait d'union between the last track of the previous work, still hazy and filled with the sounds of nature, and this new journey into the waters. The tale then keeps moving, built on three long and powerful tracks inspired by the strength of the savage sea (Marine Extravaganza, The Schooner and Time, Life Again). Yet Marine evolves in a mini suite, tied to the opening track (Tidal Breath) and to Marine Coda, that showcases all the elements that are part of the concept. Two more complex tunes, The Schooner and Time, Life Again are tempered by an apparently quieter song (Runaway) and by a symphonic shorter instrumental track (Ridge Fanfare).