SUMMER IN EDEN

No, no. This is not "Foxtrot" even if the start of "Flame Of Life" sounds very much as "Watcher" for a moment.

Our Dutch duo goes on with their symphonic neo-prog music. This album is not as well achieved as its predecessor "Tales From Moonlit Bay" which I consider as their best work so far.

The characteristics of their music won't change of course : "Genesis" oriented synths, sweet and tranquil vocals, easy listening prog actually. Bert Heinen, the leader is really a skilled multi instrumentalist.

Compositions are weaker here. Most songs being a copy of each other with little variety. My fave out here is "One Last Breath". Spacey keyboards, more complex, and a solid guitar solo are the mix.

"Inferno" seems to come from the "BJH" repertoire. This was their main source of inspiration on their first album "The Storm Inside". Another good song though. "Sorry for the Codaine" has exactly the same origin and features a pleasant chorus, but it is (too) mellowish and tearful.

This album is not bad but the uniformity of the whole is glaring. Difficult to be concentrated while listening to this music. I would rather listen to it while doing another activity because it won't hurt.

The exception being "Holy Ground". The longest and the most elaborate track. Not that it is a masterpiece, but the melody is catchy and its spacey mood is very relaxing. This album gets better towards the end. The closing "Cathedral" being another peaceful song, well in the mood of the whole but just more attractive.

This album is on the edge of the three satr rating, but I can't fully consider it as being a good album. Five out of ten or two stars.