LIGHTDARK

It took me some time to warm up to this one. "Sol29" is one of my all time favourite recordings and I was counting on something similar, but this one is more ambient and less emotional for me. "Places Remained" and "From Silence To Noise" were both instant classics for me, and "Kites" is really good, but the rest just doesn't do a lot for me. It's slow moving much like a NO-MAN record. Speaking of which Tim Bowness sings on one track.

"About Butterflies And Children" opens with waves of synths and organ. Sporadic keys before a minute and throughout this slow moving soundscape. "Places Remained" opens with heavy drums that are slowly pounded as synths come in then vocals. The chorus is more passionate and fuller sounding. Guitar 3 minutes in is fantastic as it soars on and on to the end of the song. "The Misplay" is another slow moving song with the focus on the vocals this time as synths float along more in the background. Keys from intro are back before 2 1/2 minutes. Cello after 3 minutes as keys continue. It's ok.

"From Silence To Noise" is by far the longest track at over 15 minutes. It opens very quietly with synths and other sounds. Acoustic guitar before 2 1/2 minutes as vocals follow. Drums before 4 1/2 minutes as the tempo picks up a notch. Great sound that reminds me of "Sol29". It becomes more powerful after 7 minutes but it's brief. Atmospheric soundscape until the guitar arrives 8 1/2 minutes in with a beautiful solo. Vocals return after 9 1/2 minutes for a minute as waves of synths and acoustic guitar end it. "Someone Starts To Fade Away" opens with keys as guitar and synths join in. Vocals(Tim Bowness) after a minute. Love the guitar that cries out 5 minutes in and continues for almost 3 minutes. "Kites" is very mellow as vocals come in around a minute. Cello follows. The chorus sounds beautiful. More cello late. "Lightdark" opens with keys as vocals follow in this mellow soundscape. Synths become prominant 3 minutes in. Guitar joins in after 4 minutes. This continues until 7 1/2 minutes in when the rain starts to fall as melody stops.

Still a 4 star record, but a low 4 from me.