WORLD RECORD

Having put this on recently after not hearing it for a while, I am confused about the low ratings this generally gets. Admittedly, I didn't like it much back when I first bought it. But I think that is down to the fact that I was discovering them chronologically (though I started with Pawn Hearts, but other than that I bought them in the order they came out), and compared to the the previous two (especially the one right before it) it can be something of a let down. However, taken on its own terms, I have to say it is a pretty good album and stands reasonably well along side their other material (and is far better than the Van der Graaf album that would be released after it). The first two tracks are excellent, very much in the vein of the previous album, though admittedly not quite as powerful. Masks is not bad, though probably the weakest track on the album........if it were not for the tedious ending of Meurglys. Actually, the first half of that track is excellent, and reminds me of Lighthouse Keepers to some extent (though not nearly as adventurous). Even when it starts into the reggae section it is not bad. But it just continues on and on with Hammill's rather poor guitar solo. Had they shortened this song by about 7 or 8 minutes I think it would have been one of their best (or better yet, had they eliminated the reggae section altogether). It is for this reason it doesn't get 4 stars from me. The final track is quite sublime and enjoyable and one of the most beautiful VDGG tracks ever recorded, IMO.

So a decent album, but an understandable letdown after the previous masterpiece and the near masterpiece before that one. If not for Masks and the second half of Meurglys, I may have give this a 4 or a 4.5, but as it stands 3.5 is accurate. If you are a fan this is essential, but don't expect the brilliance of the previous two albums. If you are interested in checking this band out, start elsewhere and get this towards the end of your discovery if you like them.

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