HONEY ON THE RAZOR'S EDGE

Having been impressed by Alan Reed and co. watching them on stage last year, I listened with interest to his second solo release. The energy that he brings to stage can be also found in the studio recordings, be it in the form of a powerful riff, an inspired keyboard line or an emotional ballad. Although contemporary in sound, ''Honey on the Razor's Edge'' brings with it a strong 80's resemblance to artists such as Peter Gabriel or David Sylvian, an alternative rock vibrato and late 90's Porcupine Tree and Arena heaviness. Alan's unique, theatrical singing makes the album quite different from many ''crossover'' prog releases, despite it being fairly accessible as a whole. It is quite difficult to compare this album directly to anything else I have listened to recently, while still honouring standard Neo-Prog ingredients (mainly on the keyboards) and more contemporary folk references in the vein of Karnataka (''Used to be Someone'', ''Northern Light'').

Absolute stand-outs are ''Cross my Palm'', which reminds me of Queensryche's 'Rage for Order' innovative tempos and ''The Covenanter'' with excellent percussion. The honey of the album is in the middle part; the beginning and ending stand well on their own but do not contain as equally impressive ideas.

This is a near-excellent release and something different out there that deserves your time. 3.5 stars