THIN AIR

Uninteresting is how I tend to regard this Peter Hammill solo album. It by no means contains terrible music, but there's almost zero variety in terms of both sound and structure. The title of the album is appropriate, in that the music consists of thin layers of instrumentation. It's a pleasant affair, but there is nothing particularly noteworthy or creative about it. I yawned my through this album.

"The Mercy" Soft keyboard, piano, and clean electric guitar serve as the foundation over which Hammill's relatively restrained voice is poured.

"Your Face on the Street" Over piano, a host of Hammills back up the dramatic vocalist. This is probably the most memorable track on the album, mainly due to the backup singing.

"Stumbled" This is a folk-like song, which maintains the sound of the previous two tracks but introduces the strumming of an acoustic guitar.

"Wrong Way Round" Disjointed electric guitars and drumming that almost sounds off makes for a noisy and somewhat directionless (but thankfully short) instrumental.

"Ghosts of Planes" Hammill begins this piece with some bizarre chanting, shakers, and eerie guitar. Overall, it's a dull and boring track, with a repetitive psychedelic riff repeated until I can stand it no longer.

"If We Must Part Like This" Slide guitar, tremolo, and a dash of bass make this a borderline country track, despite Hammill's unmistakable voice, yet it's his whining that gets on my nerves really quickly.

"Undone" More piano ensues, with some organ underneath, and for the most part, this sounds like a solo spot in a theatrical production.

"Diminished" This second longest piece is the dreariest and most forgettable work. The effects on the guitar make it sound practically out of tune, and the constant background noise makes me want to lie down.

"The Top of the World Club" Lovely piano begins the longest and last track to this sleepy album. Perhaps this is done intentionally, but the many vocal tracks laid down by Hammill do not blend well; in fact, I'd say the vocals are downright goofy.