IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD

Following their highly regarded masterpiece Days of Future Passed The Moodies decided they'd do something different, yet the same with this next effort. The band clearly noticed that they'd be able to make good music if they steered their ship in the more psychedelic direction and that's what they've done. Gone, however, is the orchestra and the massive arrangements of their previous album. This one is considerably stripped down, which is good if you felt that the previous album was a little ''over the top'', but it really is a noticeable loss here. While the band certainly doesn't need a full orchestra behind them at all times it is nice to have, the nice thing though is that the arrangements have become considerably less ''disney''. The album is a little bit heavier than before and little bit less emotional. There's no grand finale like Nights in White Satin or The Evening, but there are some great moments none the less.

It starts once again with the spoken word, clearly in an attempt to make a follow up to their last album. This one is no album about ''a day in the life'', but is instead a loose concept about the search of the sacred syllable ''Om'' as evident by the very beginning and very end of the album - although it is not one consistent story. The very cool opening, Departure, brings us madly into the opening track, the wonderful Ride My See-Saw - heavy and still psychedelic, comparible to early Pink Floyd, but on speed. Harmonized voices make for a very zoned out feeling along with the pressing bass, making this likely the definitive standout on the album. However, it's rather unfortunate to get that track out of the way so quickly.

The rest of the album is very good, but nothing mind blowing like the band's debut. Some tracks still have a little but of 60s ''romp'' in them such as the odd Dr. Livingstone, I Presume and The Actor while others take a more calm approach, an almost zoned out one, in fact. Voices In The Sky is a pretty and slow moving track, as is Visions of Paradise, while The Best Way To Travel picks up the pace very slightly for this trip of a song. The closing Om features some eastern influence and is another track on the slower side of things.

Another good part of the album is still to be mentioned though. The somewhat-suite House Of Four Doors is likely the most 'progressive' piece on the album. This one is more of a story telling concept piece than the others, as it tells of a journey into this crazy-mystical house. Its ominous feeling is spoiled only by the sound of a door slowly and squeakily opening... 4 times!! A rather unfortunate thing, yes - especially considering that the song is only 4 minutes long, but the song still flows, even with that very annoying effect in there. The second part of the song luckily features no door-opening sounds in its short 2-minute life, so it stands out above the first. Sandwiched in the middle is the fun Legend Of A Mind which makes reference to the infamous Timothy Leary and his various drugs, albeit in a semi-g-rated fashion. Harmonized vocals once again make for a psychedelic track as does some fun instrumental sections.

This album really would have had a hard time following up the legendary Days Of Future Passed, but it does so satisfyingly. Not an album that will change your life, this one is simply good. A lot of people hold it in very high regard, but it's sometimes hard to see why - since while it certainly is good, the Moodies have done better. This one is going to get 3.5 voices in the sky out of 5. Recommended for fans of the 60s psych scene, but people who are looking to get into the band may have better luck elsewhere.

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