FRANCES THE MUTE

I have refrained from writing review about this album for two reasons: First, by the time I listened to it the first time last year it did not attract me at all especially the first track which to me sounded like music with disharmony of sounds and too many sound effects and distortion. The vocal and the music sounded separate and disjointed. Second: I was bias with so many reviews here in this site and other prog sites that critically acclaimed the album. I was questioning myself: "What's wrong with me? Why other people can enjoy this album while I kind like cannot accept it?". End of last year I started pplaying again the CD at player many times and amazingly it grew on me firmly. I started enjoying the album.

The first track started to attract me because even the different time signatures between vocal music has even made the composition is unique even though a bit of weird. One should expect to hear many abrupt changes throughout the music. Second track is even better in terms of accessibility to many ears. It has sound melody, and it's catchy, I would say. Track three is for me a humorous music with a combination of Led Zeppelin beats and Latin music like Santana. It's really cool and it has become my favorite. Track four is also a good composition.

I don't wanna elaborate further as this album has been one of Top Five and there has been many reviews (147 reviews!) by the time I'm writing it now. So, no need to explore further. You can read much better reviews from other reviewers above. What I can say is that I have gone through a period when I hated the album until now when I really like it. The band has brought in unique style of the music. The only lacking that bothers me is the excessive sound effects and distortions throughout the album. For example, track four starts with sound effects that last for close to 5 (five) minutes. It's so boring. Even though what comes after that is a nice woodwind / brass section that reminds me to Uriah Heep's "Salisbury". If there is no boring sound effects, definitely this album deserves a four-star rating. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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