DESOLATION ROSE

I haven't got any big expectations before listening to the new TFK record bacause the last two albums were not my cup of tea, but now, after three albums of disappointment I somehow I feel that this band lost its magic, spark and freshness. At least for me.

Desolation Rose has lots of songs, short ones too, but one thing is missing... the old saying: "I don't hear a single!". And in this case there are no catchy melodies (a short song needs one!), or catchy harmonies. You can tell if it is a good song if it works on a single piano or on a single acoustic guitar. This is why I can play Yes songs (even from the seventies!) on acoustic and still have that special sparkle. These songs won't. Many different progressive rock clich'-s, themes that are opening for songs which has nothing to do with the song itself, "it is just prog", themes that disappear and never return again (my biggest problem with this album).

Progressive rock once was about progression, changes and trying out different things. Desolation Rose is disappointing to me, because it has nothing new, it has the old recipe without all the taste, the pleasure of good music. It has the signature quality sounds, but overproduced and over-compressed with mastering (yet another weak point is the overall sound). It has nothing new to progressive rock ears.

I only recommend this album to hardcore TFK fans. I can't give this album only one star, due to the respect to this band. But two stars seem too much. A huge disappointment in songwriting and (over)producing. Somehow, I'd like my money back.

One and a half stars from me.