TERRA SERRANUM

The first « Lands End » album was a pleasant surprise. Their soft approach to space (or ocean?) rock was particularly pleasant. And since you never change a winning team, the mood will be very similar on "Terra Serranum".

Some great but too scarce guitar breaks are fully Gilmour oriented ("For Reason Unkown") and add a special style to their peaceful music. This album is probably less personal than "Pacific Coast Highway". Definite and pleasant "Genesis" inspiration during the title track ("Cinema Show").

Best parts of this album are the instrumental ones. I felt vocals a bit weak, uniform and dull at times. Numbers are at times too jam- oriented as well to my taste. My attention could hardly be kept throughout this lengthy album (over seventy minutes).

The longest piece "Neptune's Last Tear" changes so many time from mood, without much of a recurrent theme, that it sounds as a collection of short pieces without unity. Still, it is one of the most interesting songs. There is a part featuring some sorts of whale cries (at least it is what I can distinguish). This reminds me of "Crying For The Whale" album from "Abarax". These two bands have definite musical links. And since water and oceans are a major preoccupation for "Lands End" (where the ocean starts), I guess that this song is fully in-line with their philosophy.

I preferred though their debut album to this one: it is less intense, less structured and less melodic. Three stars and at times useful when you need a smooth break.