SPIRIT OF EDEN

While mostly easygoing and pleasant, this album sits almost on the verge of tedium, even if it mostly flows from one piece to the next. Mark Hollis mumbles the lines in a manic-depressive manner. The first two songs are rather enjoyable, and "Inheritance" is good, but mostly the album plods along in a way that is, for me at least, unappealing. Fans of Kayo Dot or other Toby Driver projects may want to hear moments of this, however.

"The Rainbow" Wailing trumpet and background noises create a moody ambiance. A tight guitar bit enters, like Tex-Mex Telecaster grinding through as an anguished harmonic pierces and warbles through. The vocals are casual. A piano interlude brings the main riff back in with additional lead instruments, like fiddle.

"Eden" Various instruments burst in before the rhythm section begins to add structure. After a raucous guitar, a subdued percussion, bass, piano, and vocal section carries on. The song builds strongly despite the grating guitar, which almost ruins a decent piece of music.

"Desire" High-pitched wind instruments lead into this next tune, dirge-like and solemn with the bass-laden organ dominating. It leads into a simple, repetitive rhythm before the vocalist enters. And then abruptly, the band actually becomes a rock group, if only for a while.

"Inheritance" This tranquil jazz piece is awash with piano, brushes, and upright bass. At halftime, the blowers apparently improvise, performing over basic drumming.

"I Believe in You" Electric guitar textures ease in and out over piano and drums as the vocalist mumbles and moans something. Celestial organ and choir lead into more avant-garde business.

"Wealth" This amiable piece has organ layers, bass, and an emotional, yet scarcely understandable vocal performance. The organ is the highlight here, plopping in and out in the middle.