STOCK

I picked up a few CDs by this band based on one song from MP3.com many years back. It was a real chance to take, but I'm happy I did. The reality is that I still don't know much about the band, but I find the music pretty good. Very assessable to most people as well, I should say.

The first cut, Opel, has moments reminiscent of early Pink Floyd, and also, The Who's "I Can See for Miles." It is a nice trip into psychedelia. It would fit nicely into the late 60's era.

A Rhodes piano, I believe, provides a nice background texture for the floating feel of "The Way It Is". A mellow tune relaxes the senses then transfigures into a synth led slow shuffle which throws some 4/4 between the 3/4 patterns. There's that element of Prog I love. Messing with time sigs.

"Perceptual Response" and "Forgive Me Part 1" both provide a familiar between event interlude. These are nice, but nothing more than musical emotions not to far elaborated upon.

And then breaks in "Gentle Art of Swimming". This is the longest tune on the album highlighted by a drum jam at the near end. The guitar solo, following sounds familiar to something David Gilmore would play. I suspect strong influence.

Here comes a organ effect ala "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds", but then the song, "Who Do You Think You Are", turns into a bouncy piece I could imagine Gabriel performing during the Foxtrot Genesis years. Unfortunately, the singer croons it fairly mundanely. Too bad. It would have made this song a special treat, but alas, it remains simply good.

After the short blurb used for effect, "Sun in the Sky" gives us a good sample of the band's vocal harmonies sandwiched by bending, to the point of being out of tune, notes. I like it. It adds a different flavor to what we have heard to this point.

"Forgive Me Part 2" and "Part 3" leave the album sleepily, which impacts the rating. Being that most of what was recorded to this point was a bit low key, I had hoped for something more uplifting.

There is a hidden final track, within the last track, which sounds like the band goofing on a Latin beat. It should bring a smile.

I'd like to rate it 3.5/5