PARANORMAL HUMIDOR

Some five years prior this sophomore album (the band is not highly productive), "Somnambulist" released a very good debut album which was closely linked to the eclectic genre IMHHO. Complexity was the main word.

So; what has changed between then (96) and "now" (2001)?

The music is still passionate and eclectic: it combines fantastic interplay, some mellotron lines and a superb musicianship. I am less positive about the growling that be heard here and there.

The phantom of "Yes" and "ELP" can be felt during the excellent "Pathos of Least Resistance" but what comes next is only a pale repetition. The more I listen to this album, the more I have the feeling of "déjà vu". Of course the musicians are skilled (but this is again nothing but normal while you are a professional band); but in comparison with their debut, the band sounds out of steam.

Above average "Troy Built Helen" saves the day but when I am confronted with "Died And Gone", I can't help: it sounds as too many US bands featuring to play the music of the giants. This means almost pastiche with the last track I have mentioned.

Five years to achieve this album is quite long and shows that there was with no doubt a creative problem within the band. At least, this is how I can interpret this release. There is some good stuff available but no more: very little innovation nor confirmation of their very good debut on this "Paranormal Humidor".

Three stars.