IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD

Given their back-catalogue, some observers may coin the moodies as 'adventurous pop'. While this may or my not be true, it is probably true that this is their most adventurous album, what with an Indian Choir, harpsichords, foreign languages, time machines and even a loop of Tony Clarke farting is in the background to one song. Sometimes this album is so adventurous the music comes to a complete stop and a sound just plays, maybe a deep rumbling sound, like an upset stomach, something for you to meditate on. Some sounds are quite grating, like finger nails on a blackboard. Maybe that's the whole point to this album, the idea of finding inner peace by using screechy noises, like fingernails on a blackboard, as a mantra. Yes I think I've got it, I've unlocked the clues to this intellectual album? In fact, over time, the novelty wears off and it's only the songs with genuine depth and strength that stand up. Weak tracks include the creaking house of 'four doors' and the clunky rocker 'thinking is the best way to travel'. It's the second half of the album, when Justin Hayward makes up for lost time with great melodic tracks like 'voices in the sky' and 'the actor' (this albums' 'nights in white satin'), that makes this worth your while. He's written strong melodies and the inclusion of Indian music is actually well utilised and integrates in well, rather than just being represented in a pretentious way like an overpriced ornament on display. Then again, berating this album is a bit pointless to do so long after the event, considering that 'prog' hadn't been invented. They had to do something. Anyway A solid three stars.