CASCADE

The followup to the breathtaking "The Cure" seems to lack much of its urgency and dramatic nuances, reflected by the somnolence of "Hushabye Mountain" and "Owning Up". It is a good collection of songs nonetheless, especially "Catholic Education", the well developed "Lead me where you will" and "Flight 19", and "The Time of Our Lives". Manning offers an appealing combination of progressive adventurousness and rock sensibility, all in a refreshingly song oriented and melodic framework. It is surprising his appeal has not cascaded down to a larger audience.