LOVE, FEAR AND THE TIME MACHINE

What happened to Riverside? You can only assume a clever change in managment that suggested a mo a more pop-driven approach over the heavy metal influences. Do it like Wilson! He visited and left meta metal and goes for pop. And do look at HIS figures of sales!

Artistically, this is not really a disaster. It is also not very good. I was of course pleased by the me melodies, and that does mean something obviously and should not be washed away. But I felt so ma manipulated by them. I could name their influences for each part on the spot, not least there is a-ha to to be written all over the album. And yes, that is pleasant to hear. And no, I do not think that a-ha are cr crap. But just taking and combining traits from past bands cleverly to please the listener with what he al already knows into a cozy warm feeling that he now likes complicated music (on the cover it says Ri Riverside, not a-ha or Travis) is not what I would call an artistic vision of value.

So: Yes, it is a nice record. But: No, it is not groundbreaking, special, worth having or outstanding at all. Progressive elevator music at worst, autumn evening background for a good book at best. 2.5 points