THIS IS ... GRACIOUS !!

Gracious's first album was already quite eclectic and adventurous, though it missed an important element - songwriting skills. The curious pack of songs needed a more cohesive joint. The second album fixed that issue. Things are still getting overblown in their length but they aren't randomly stitched together. There are some catchy accesible and mellow moments (executed with a great taste) coupled with mellotron/organ reflections. The first mega epic track is fragmented due to many different parts which doesn't make sense together but are pleasant to listen individually. These parts are built in a more mature way than a year ago. Singing has improved too, but sound best when in harmonies. C.B.S. has a different flair - slight playful Canterbury with the organ and guitar taking leads. "Once on a windy day" is a pretty hilarious ballad with slide guitars, soaring mellotron and psychedelia harmonies. "Hold me down" is a fitting rocking number. This was a decent good-bye by the band.