SEVEN

Well, I find this to be a pretty dull album. While not nearly as derivative as the first one (which I liked better.....there was no attempt to hide the fact that it was a tribute to the 70's greats of prog, and I think Rob Reed did an excellent job recreating those styles), it seems to have little in the way of character or originality. The performances are very well done, however, and the songwriting is fairly solid neo / symphonic prog. So why do I find it so dull and lifeless? I'm really not sure. Perhaps it is the (far too) smooth production? Perhaps the fact that, while not an outright tribute, it still seem pretty unoriginal? Maybe I just need to listen to it more (though I've heard it at least 6 or 8 times now). I think the sound and style is just too homogenous for me. Not much variation, and the dynamics seemed to be dulled by the overly smooth production. Still, this seems like more personal taste than anthing, and they are all top notch musicians without a doubt. So, out of fairness and an appreciation of what they are trying to do, I will round my rating up a half star, to 3 stars. But if you are looking for something new and exciting, this may not be it (it isn't for me anyway).