FIREBIRD

I was reminded of U2, RADIOHEAD,MUSE and Hogarth led MARILLION while listening to this disc. I almost wish I had heard this one before the "Night" album because I might have liked it more, I don't know though.This one has really only one guitar solo as the electronic sounds dominate in this experimental "Kid A" influenced album. The follow up release "Night" just seemed to flow better, of course it is a concept album but it just seems like everything about it is better than this one. This record has some great moments though and the song writing is very well done.

"Vulture" is a dark and gloomy song with violin. I really like the first lyric line "I leave the gate and close the door. And when it rains it really pours". "Symbols" is one of my favourites. The backing female vocals from Nina are a nice touch. This is a repetitive but catchy tune that is all about the vocals. Good energy to this song. "Swallows" is slower paced with some piano and the soundscape reminds me of PORTISHEAD at times. "Orion (I & II)" is another great tune with the vocals standing out on the first part and the full sound 2 minutes in on the second part being a highlight.

"Prisoner" sounds like a single that was released by an alternative band in the nineties. "Jezebel" has a Post-Rock feel to the guitar half way through but it's the earlier heaviness that I like. The vocals don't do much for me on this track though. "Black Widow" has a good chorus while the title track "Firebird" is a better song with a dark and heavy atmosphere. He sings "Hallelujah" six times during this tortured song. "Do You Know What You Are Saying" has piano throughout and violin 4 minutes in, but it's the guitar solo from Steve Rothery that steals the show on this song. "Once In A Lifetime" provides a melancholic ending to this album.

Favourite songs for me are "Symbols" and "Firebird" with "Orion (I & II)" and "Do You Know What You Are Saying" as runner ups. 3.5 stars.