NOOKS

Lea Maalfrid has gone, so there is no longer that upfront vocal attack - instead, with all band members singing, the vocal sound is generally layered, with heavy reverb, and very mellow (generally in a kind of Pink Floyd ballpark). There is still a wall of sound approach to Mellotron on nearly every track (though I seem to like it more this time) - but there is a lot more upfront synth playing, keyboard usually taking the lead instrumental role. The rhythm section section still provide most of the instrumental firepower - there is quite a Squire/Bruford vibe going on at several points. Actually, although Pink Floyd are still the most obvious reference point, one gets the strong impression that they've been listening to CTTE/TFTO-period Yes, and seem to be trying to channel that influence, but without the frontline virtuosity of that band. Generally a more solid effort. No dud tracks. "Waterfall" (including the unexpected blues-rock digression "Captain Fagg") and "The Volsung" both go into epic symphonic territory. "Fourteenth Knock" and "Nooks" are full instrumentals, "Semolina" is the closest to a pop song, while "Paths Of Reminiscence" is a purely acoustic number.