A CURIOUS FEELING

I always wonder with what Tony Banks has done with his music. He has written and co-written many of Genesis songs but when it comes to solo album, the overall quality of his music is not as stunning as when he is with Genesis. This is probably what people often say about "having the same chemistry" for all members of the band. This is very true with Banks. This is not to say that his solo albums are bad at all but I think could have done it much better. Remember the legendary "Firth of Fifth"? If he could write something like "Firth of Fifth" why couldn't he do something at almost the same quality? Well, I don't understand it really ..

"A Curious Feeling" is not a bad album at all. In fact there are many good tracks featured in this album. The opening track, "From the Undertow" (2:46) is really a Genesis track - something sounds like "And Then There Were Three". The next track "Lucky Me" (4:26) is mellow and ambient music with Genesis-like rhythm section. Through its lyrics Banks wanted to tell about someone's quest about his life "They want to know but they don't ask me how / That's for someone else and not for me, I don't know. / Lucky me /".

The similar music style happens also in the next track "The Lie" (4:58) in a floating keyboard-drenched music which accompanies Kim Beacon's vocal. The music is again similar to what Genesis has written but the soul is different, it's too ambient - probably. The title track tries to bring the music happier with its upbeat tempo. I most parts the song share similar style with Genesis "And Then There Were Three" or even "Duke" (which was released after this solo album).

Overall, it's a good solo album from one of Genesis' composers. The music is relatively easy to digest and for those who love Genesis might enjoy Tony Banks' keyboard style in the same vein with Genesis albums. For those Genesis lovers, I believe the track titled "You" (6:28) would definitely consider this as a stand-out track. The keyboard solo is really stunning. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW