THE BROADSWORD AND THE BEAST

Not a bad album at all but it doesn't offer much to the progressive rock fans. The quality within is more for the pop and rock fans as Ian Anderson remains a solid composer and singer. The album starts with a memorable and hard hitting rocker. The Clasp features good singing and changes in the time signatures, has the flute trademarks and good keyboard work so it resembles a progressive rock structure. The third track rocks hard but it is not very memorable and thankfully only 3 minutes long. Flying colours starts off as a ballad and turns after one minute into a fast typical 80's rock with few progressive rock signs. I like the keyboard line though. As the title says, Slow Marching Band is mellower, contemplative track featuring love theme.

The track Broadsword is the highlight on the flip side. Clear melody, progressive rock arrangements. Pussy Willow continues with the slightly experimental mood between a folky mood and rocking second part. Watching me Watching you is a rhythmically complex track featuring flute but not very well developed though. Seal driver ends the album on a positive note with a distinct melody and dramatic spirit. Cheerio is a throwaway track but good to calm down and get ready for another piece of music ;-)