MEN WHO CLIMB MOUNTAINS

I was over the moon when I read in Prog Magazine that Pendragon were returning with a new album. Apart from Kowtow I love every album, with the signature guitar, and also the latter albums which provide a louder, but memorable experience.

Men who climb mountains was delivered to me directly from the Pendragon store (lucky me got it before the official release date - signed by NB), and was thrust into my car stereo with high expectations!

Unfortunately after several plays from start to finish, I still feel disappointed by the end. I can appreciate that there will be many people who will take to this album, but for me it never gets going. A similar tempo and feel throughout, with no stand out moments (think the latter parts of 'this green and pleasant land' etc). Lets not get carried away here, this is a very well written and produced album, and the musicianship is of a real high standard. Indeed some of the guitar and drum work is the among the best they have done, but I guess for me it is a little plain as a whole. I felt it needs a bit of extra oomph to break out in places.

I hate myself for giving these guys three stars for this release, but for me 'Good, but non-essential' is a fair reflection. I am very keen to hear other reviews, and I will be listening to it again tomorrow to see if it's a grower. The star rating is a tricky one. I believe others will love it and give it 4-5 stars, but I cannot rate it that high because that is what I would give previous efforts that I simply love more.

Either way I will still proudly own my signed CD in my collection, and cannot wait for the next instalment from this amazing band.