A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

"Blessing in Disguise" was my first Green Carnation purchase and, after listening to Day of Light, it's still my favorite (for now).

Melodic and thematic, the guitars blend well with the Hammond organ while the bass and drums carry the show nicely. Vocals are well done and the lyrics, for the most part, are interesting. The Hammond organ and great sounding guitars define this group.

The album starts strong with a fast and heavy song Crushed to Dust. Cymbals abound and are nicely positioned over crisp and throaty guitar. Touch of Moody Blues here with an interesting little warbled guitar sound at about 3:30.

Lullaby in Winter is my favorite song on the album. Clean and delayed guitar arpeggios move the tune along as well executed vocals lend a haunting quality to the fine lyrics. Midway through the song the tempo moves up to a really pleasing beat which lifts a classic Hammond organ solo to lofty heights. As we move into the vocals here the sound is quite inspiring and the high point of the album. Synthesizers and drums capably lead the way after the vocal breaks off. Quite good.

Writings on the Wall is generally a four note progression supporting some pretty decent guitar work throughout. Vocals are OK with delays on some phrasing but it's really the guitar riffs that define this tune. A bit uninspiring.

An interesting and exotic bass riff starts into Deep when suddenly we're hit with the organ and drums to get 'er going. The slide guitar is nice as it moves into some cool vocals. A little bit of Iron Butterfly at the chorus and I like it! Soon the slide's back and blending with the vocals. Good stuff! Synthesizers sound cool as the drums bring the song back and we're cruising once again.

Boy in the Attic is my alternate favorite here and it starts with a nice haunting piano mini-concerto that builds in intensity as it moves towards the second, and totally different, part of the tune. As we're reflecting on the nice piano a shimmery, warbled guitar plays dissonant and interchanging chord changes which sound great. This stellar guitar work sets the stage for the vocal which is clear and powerful. Dissonance rules here with the interplay between vocal and instrumental until the pace is picked up for the chorus. Interest is maintained as the song boasts many different themes. Some themes are revisited but using different keys and tempos. Kudos to the double bass drum work which leads to a short guitar warble and then, alas, the haunting piano leads us to the end of the tune.

Keeping with the piano theme, Two Seconds in Life begins with a pleasant sounding piano chord change as a prelude to a great vocal. A very strong song and performed with emotion, this may well be the best vocal on the album.

Hold on to your hats though, Myron and Cole starts out with a sonic rush up to some cool guitar arpeggios opening the door to a hard rocking tune featuring nicely rendered Hammond organ highs. Vocals are cool and a sweeping chorus brings us to a short classic guitar rest for a little break until it all starts again. Heavy rocking with short breaks where you need them. This is a very cool song.

As Life Flows By is a little uninteresting though, nice vocal but routine melodies fail to inspire. Not great.

Rain, the final cut, starts nicely with some cello clone synthesizer work. Nice sounding arpeggio guitar work lays a good foundation for the interesting vocals. Song moves along nicely with some good chord changes. All along the synthesizer provides a lush background. Halfway through the sound is decidedly STP with shimmery guitar textures and great sounding drums keeping us involved. Good song.

Good album of music all in all, would recommend for folks trying to expand their progressive music awareness.

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