SPIRIT OF EDEN

What's available here has nothing to do with their synth pop of the early early/middle eighties. The project is more ambitious. More "serious". It features lots of ambient parts, even experimental ones.

The keyboards are of course dominant (but this was also a feature in their early life), but it is combined with a myriad of instruments (mostly wind ones) which add some variety in here.

But still, the music is veeeeeeeeeery tranquil ("The Rainbow", "Inheritance", "Wealth") and it is difficult to stay concentrate all the way through. A perfect record to calm down after an exhausting working day or a serious argument with your wife.

My fave is the melodic "Eden". Hollis is highly expressive and emotional and the musical background flirts between very discrete to sumptuous and powerful. But the global feeling is too much "new age" oriented even if, at times, the listener is woken up with an upbeat tempo (twice during "Desire" which is otherwise a dull number).

I only like this album moderately. It is too much of same ambient atmosphere and I have the impression that Hollis is afraid to sing with all his potential as if it would break this feeling. It is like if he was holding his voice. Quite annoying.

Some fine melodies, sweet keys breaks and fine sax like during "I Believe In You" are also a highlight. Delicate and touching. But not for an every day listening.

Definitely the band's most original album. But far from being a masterpiece IMO.

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