ANDERSON BRUFORD WAKEMAN HOWE

This is a difficult album to rate. On the one hand there are really good tracks on it (the outstanding Brother of mine, Birthright, Quartet; somewhat less convincing but still nice are Themes, The Order of the Universe, Let's pretend). On the other hand the shortcomings cannot be ignored. Concerning the songs, we have to cope with The Meeting and the abominable Teakbois. The album is overproduced and indulges in high notes as if to find the highest their instruments can manage (e.g. Fist of Fire). The pros and cons are well balanced. And since ABWH are British, they know the art of understatement. Therefore, with some understatement, only three stars. Favourite Tracks: Brother Of Mine, Birthright, Quartet.