BELIEVE

A very nice return for Pendragon after a few years between their previous studio effort, the magical Not Of This World. From the beginning of track 1, I was aware that this was going to be a very different sounding Pendragon album. One with a more gritty sound and more experimentation.

The album starts off with an ethereal intro for "Believe", but suddenly launches into a great guitar bit by Nick for "Not For The Innocent". Nicks vocals sound very sinister as he's on his soapbox about the state of the world and the people who "run" it. Very nicely mixed with acoustic guitars adding a nice layer during the more rocking sections of the chorus, but with a classic Barrett solo towards the songs end. A great way to begin the disc.

"The Wisdom Of Solomon" again begins eerily similar the first track with a landscape of keys and chanting. Barrett cuts in with a very Gilmour-ish guitar intro that reminds me of a less grittier "Sorrow" from A Momentary Lapse Of Reason that yields to a lovely acoustic guitar interlude. Such a different sounding disc altogether thus far with the implementation of different percussion instruments, guitars and varying soundscapes. Ultimately, we're reacquainted with the classic Pendragon sound of driving rhythms, soaring keys, and heartfelt solos.

Sandwiched in the middle of the album is the epic "The Wishing Well", which is broken up in 4 sections. Sounding like a continuation from Not Of This World, Clive Nolan adds a lovely choir of keys and synth underneath Barrett's advisory speech of part 1. Part 2 lifts off from the more subdued part 1 to more beautiful guitar by Mr. Barrett (He's truly an overlooked gem in the world of prog, in my opinion.) Simply brilliant in it's construction. The Wishing Well suite continues with part 3: "We Talked" with more fingerpicking guitar by Nick, but a solid rocker with indian chants and tribal screams. "Two Roads" brings The Wishing Well to a close, again with a very Pink Floydish sound with Nick playing some good slide guitar...eat your heart out, Joe Walsh!

"Learning Curve" follows with an almost Enigma-like intro with a great bass riff by Peter Gee anchoring it. Very vulnerable and passionate lyrics. "The Edge Of The World" closes out Believe. Not necessarily Pendragon's strongest song in terms of structure and lyrics, but still showcasing Barrett's vocals in a more tender state.

For me, Believe could be a turning point for Pendragon. Maybe it was the time away from one another that sets it apart, but it doesn't sound like any of it's predecessors. I do like the use of acoustic guitars on Believe and hope it continues in the future of their music. Absolutely essential in my eyes.