THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Shadowland´s second CD is quite different from the first. It seems that Clive Nolan found his voice (yes, the man can really sing). He has a limited range but does it with passion and feeling, never trying to stretch too far. This is the first (and only) time I ever heard him playing the violin (on the introduction of When The World Turns To White, with a good effect) The sound here has nothing of the pop/new wave flavours he used on Ring Of Roses. The resulting Cd has a heavier sound, closer to Arena sometimes, but not as much as they did on their third and final album, Mad As A Hatter.

Certainly the band was very inspired and it shows throughout the whole disc, the music is powerful and exciting. Lots of keyboards swirls, great guitar lines, Ian Salmon´s bass never sounded better and the drumming is astounishing. The second part of the CD is where the best songs are, but on the whole this is a great neo prog album that is quite original. It is a pity that the follow up did not match the first two. (for further information about it see my review of Mad As A Hatter). Recommeded to any neo prog fans in general and to Arena ones in paricular.