LIALIM HIGH

I bought this without hearing any of the music at all, simply on the off chance that it might be decent, having heard they were in the 'Genesis School'. Well, I wouldn't say they were really in that school, and the vocals are a million miles away from Gabriel. At times they can sound strained, and it took me some time to get used to them. However, the album is an enjoyable listen, although I only play it now and again. The songs are all similar, and add a queer cohesiveness to the album. Musically they are quite pleasant, and the keyboards in particular are quite impressive at times, being a tad like Tony Banks in parts. The guitar is not really Hackettesque, although there are a couple of pieces which are vaguely reminiscent of the maestro himself. No outstanding tracks here, but also no bad ones. A consistently decent offering. The last track is an instrumental, and could possibly be my favourite, if forced to choose, but then again, I could select any of them, depending which way the wind blows (to almost quote Mr Anthony Phillips). I wouldn't say this band sound very strongly like any other band. Certainly not Marillion. Maybe a little like IQ at times. Still, I would recommend it to anyone who likes competent, easy listening prog, as long as one can adapt to Mr Hansson's somewhat unusual voice. Worth a listen. I give it here three stars, but, if in the mood, I could push that up to four.