BOTTLED OUT OF EDEN

3.5 stars. A definite step down from the previous album "The Unravelling" in my opinion. On the Wayside Music site they say this about the two most recent studio albums from KNIFEWORLD. "Uplifting, euphoric and spacious where it's predecessor was claustrophobic and gloomy". I'll take gloomy every time over energetic and bouncey which is how I'd describe "Bottled Out Of Eden". There is more of a CARDIACS vibe on this album as well. Love that album title by the way but the lyrics sure don't do a lot for me. Lots of horns on this one when compared to "The Unravelling" and one reviewer even mentioned Ska. Another site described this as "Complex and elaborate Pop blending lush arrangements with radical song structures, for fans of GENESIS and XTC." I'm starting to think that Melanie the female vocalist should have more of the spotlight, I just like her singing more. Oh and the bass absolutely kills on this album, it's my favourite aspect of it.

"High/ Aflame" is a song that I feel shouldn't be the lead off track. The first 2 plus minutes do little for me mainly because of the singing but when it changes and becomes more uptempo with horns, drums and more I'm impressed. This song just feels like it starts the album off on the wrong foot. I do like the energy after 4 minutes though. "The Germ Inside" opens with piano melodies before they all kick in. This is uptempo as the male vocals join in. Again lots of energy and fun only I prefer this one more to the opening track. Check out the upfront bass. "I Am Lost" has my attention early on with the drums, horns and bass. Female vocals arrive as the bass and drums support. I like this. The horns are back but check out the bass! Male and female vocals after 1 1/2 minutes as the bass continues to be upfront. A calm with piano and more a minute later. It picks back up around 4 1/2 minutes and there's that incredible bass again.

"The Deathless" opens with drums only as male vocal melodies and guitar join in. Male vocals follow. It's more powerful before 4 minutes and I'm reminded of CARDIACS here. The horns honk and the bass is prominent. Vocal melodies and honking horns end it. "Foul Temple" is more like a Folk song with strummed guitar and the laid back male vocals standing out. The horns seem to breathe in and out after 1 1/2 minutes. "Vision Of The Bent Path" is just over 30 seconds of melancholic horns. "I Must Set Fire To Your Portrait" again features some really upfront bass. This is a bouncy tune with guitar out front early on then the horns kick in. Male vocals around 2 1/2 minutes.

"Lowered Into Necromancy" opens with intricate guitar melodies as the bass and drums help out. Male vocals join in. A hazy calm 1 1/2 minutes in as the vocals become almost spoken then it kicks back in. Contrasts continue. "A Dream About A Dream" is one of my favourites. Piano and male vocals remind me so much of CARDIACS. Just a beautiful song. "Secret Words" opens with acoustic guitar and some atmosphere as reserved male vocals join in. Female vocals help out as well. "Feel The Sorcery" is a bright and energetic feel good tune with female and male vocals trading off.

If your a big CARDIACS fan I think you'll love this album. There's just not enough enjoyment for me to click 4 stars.