WHITE CLOUDS

This album has been getting heavy playtime since I received it a few weeks ago. After listening to a few of the songs online I decided to order the CD and have not been disappointed. I know it is a concept album with the first world war as the backdrop but to be honest, I really don't worry too much about lyrics, it is the music that matters. I would describe this album as fairly mellow but with enough energetic sections to keep the heartrate up. The melodies are fantastic and the songs blend together beautifully the way a true concept album should. All the songs have a unique flavour to them with the only filler piece IMO being Argonne Wood. Even it has an interesting feel to it as war veterans relate battlefield experiences. There are plenty of instrumental sections throughout the album with lots of soaring guitar solos a la David Gilmour or Steve Rothery to compliment the piano and other keyboard work. Production seems to be first rate as the overall sound is very good. This band (as far as I know) consists of two brothers who handle all the instruments, except for drums which were farmed out to a session player and a very good one by the sound of things. All in all an excellent listen for anyone that enjoys melodic progressive music. A solid four stars.